Results Snapshot
- Repaired a fractured Mayor–CAO relationship in a politically complex environment
- Improved governance effectiveness and decision-making at the municipal level
- Rebuilt trust between the political leadership and the administration
- Generated broad support for the Mayor’s re-election across the council and staff
Background
The CAO of a small municipality approached AMC seeking help to manage a deteriorating relationship with the Mayor. The Mayor was technically the CAO’s boss and held no obligation to accept the feedback.
Challenge
The Mayor’s leadership style had resulted in half the council and nearly all municipal administration working against them. Trust was low, decisions stalled, and governance effectiveness was compromised.
Approach
AMC reframed the challenge: before influencing the Mayor, the CAO needed to change how they engaged. Through one-on-one coaching, the CAO worked on self-regulation, perspective-taking, and relational strategy. Within two months, the shift in their behaviour built sufficient trust for them to propose coaching for the Mayor. AMC then coached both leaders, primarily individually, with select joint sessions.
Impact
The Mayor and CAO transitioned from adversaries to strategic partners. Decision-making improved, follow-through increased, and the municipality benefited from aligned leadership. At the next election, rather than organisational resistance, the majority of the council and administration actively supported the Mayor’s re-election.
Coaching can work within complex power dynamics to create sustainable governance outcomes, even when the path to change begins with only one person.