Campaigning vs. Holding Office

While I understand that you must campaign in order to be elected, campaigning skills and the skills it takes to be an effective member of the City Council are a bit different from one another.  It's like that old saying that a great widget maker does not a great supervisor make--they take different skills.  

While I am not a member of the City Council, I have extensive experience working on and with Boards and Councils  and I can tell you what I believe makes a good Board/Council member.

Here are just a few of the things you need to do to be an effective Board member:

1.) Listen well to what has been presented, and what hasn't.  Listen to the thoughts and opinions of all of the constituents that are affected by a decision.  
2.) Be willing to challenge the status quo.  
3.) Don't be afraid to ask questions when you don't know/understand something.  This also means not being afraid that people will find out that you don't know everything.  It's true, none of us do!
4.) Show up!  You have to show up, pay attention, and participate to be effective.
5.) Review the meeting materials ahead of time.
6.) Have a sense of the big picture AND a sense of the day-to-day operations.
7.) Possess strong analytical and problem solving skills.
8.) Work well interpersonally.
9.) Be able to discuss and debate an issue without being disrespectful or making it personal. 
10.) Do what you say you will do!  Actually roll up your sleeves to get the work done.
11.) Make decisions with all of the information you've gathered in mind.  While you may not be able to please everyone, knowing you made the most informed, ethical and fair decision you could will help you defend your decision.  
12.) Stay organized.
13.) Be open to new ideas and opinions, be open to changing your own. 
14.) Appreciate the diversity within the group--everyone brings their own life experiences, skills and abilities to the table.  Honor the other members' skills and experiences and share your own.
15.) Be reliable, honest and trustworthy.  

While this certainly isn't an exhaustive list, it's a good start!  

I believe I possess all of these qualities and make it a priority to know the facts, to make thoughtful and informed decisions, and to always leave a place better than you found it!  

If what I've written intrigues you, please check out my campaign Facebook page "Nicole Tobias Winder City Council", read the comments others have written about working with me, leave your opinions and your questions, and decide for yourself who you'll be voting for on November 5 for Winder City Council!