'DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A COUNCILLOR?' By - Akinkunmi Afeez Akinpelu (KURE)

 

Councillors demonstrate their enthusiasm for their local community every day. They draw on many skills, attributes and diverse knowledge to help guide their decision-making and to connect with their community in positive ways.

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Useful qualities for councillors to have include:

a commitment to behaving with integrity and in an ethical manner in adherence to the Code of Conduct

strategic thinking with an ability to engage with the community

effective communication and negotiation skills, including respecting other opinions, listening, mediation and conflict resolution skills

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ability to analyse and problem solve to reach successful solutions

ability to work as part of a team

understanding of financial and budget processes and reports

time management and organisation skills

resilience

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understanding, or be able to acquire an understanding of, local government legislation.

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