Overview
Purpose
The performance of elected leaders is judged by the decisions
they make. Better decisions can mean improved government performance and a more
positive image of local government and those who govern.
This workshop is designed to provide participants with an
understanding of the decision-making process and to explore the various styles
and methods use by those with decision-making responsibilities. Councillors who
complete the workshop mill be able to identify blocks to good council
decision-making and to plan and implement strategies to avoid or remove them.
Contents
brief description of each learning activity is shown below with
an approximation of the amount of time required. If you wish to change the
order, omit something, or to add training material of your own, feel free to do
so.
3.1 Warm-up exercise
Participants individually choose which of five types of
decision-making they prefer in their councillor roles. The pros and cons of each
preference are then discussed in plenary session. (45 minutes)
3.2 Trainer presentation
Brief presentation on council decision-making. Draw on material
from the essay to cover how decisions are made, stages in the process, barriers
to decision-making, and how council members can be more effective
decision-makers. (30 minutes)
3.3. Exercise: good and bad decisions
In groups of five to seven, participants are asked to list
characteristics of Councils that make good and bad decisions. Encourage
participants to think creatively about ways to improve council decision-making
performance. (120 minutes)
3.4 Simulation: the allocation decision
Participants take part in a decision-making simulation involving
a council budget session where several citizen groups are competing for a large
grant of money received recently by the council. Allow time for three
presentations, council deliberation, and discussion of the decision outcome.
(120 minutes)
3.5 Case study: a central bus park for Rumai
In small groups of five to seven, participants read a case
containing a problem that might face any city council. Each group is asked to
read the case, reach a decision, and answer questions about the approach they
followed in arriving at the decision. Observers are assigned to each group to
monitor the process actually followed. (60 minutes)
3.6 Skill transfer exercise
Participants reflect privately and, then, share with others what
they intend to do after the workshop with what they have learned about
decision-making at the workshop. Encourage personal commitments to change. (45
minutes)