The most effective CAOs know how to lead 'down, out, and
up.'
That's the view of Brock University's David Siegel. He
has studied the traits that make for an effective CAO. He says that
those who can manage "down" to staff and departments,
"out" to community stakeholders (including the media),
and "up" to Council members are the most effective.
It sounds simple, but it's a difficult balance to achieve in
practice. Mutual respect between Councils and their CAOs and
frequent, thoughtful communications are also necessary components
of a well-functioning municipality.
The sort of balance described by Prof. Siegel is outlined in the
Municipal Government Act and in the Halifax Regional
Municipality Charter. Under the legislation, the CAO is
responsible to Council for the proper administration of the affairs
of the Municipality in accordance with Council's policies. The
CAO is the means by which Council communicates with employees of
the Municipality. In turn, Council
