008-2001 DMCITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Department Memorandum No. /
To:
From:
Subject:
Executive Staff
Department Directors
Division Heads
Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
DEPARTMENT STAFF MEETINGS
Date: June 4, 2001
One of our initiatives, as agreed to at our retreat last year, is to encourage staff to improve teamwork
by holding staff meetings regularly. This initiative is of the utmost importance to the function of the
entire administration in addressing problems and pursuing a common vision. The meetings should
allow for the exchange of ideas and concerns, as well as praise and encouragement.
It is important to emphasize that the staff meetings are intended to be positive in nature and reflective
of a participative and involved managerial culture that we need to foster within the organization.
The staff meetings are good opportunities to bring key employees into decision-making processes
and to share information among and between divisions within a department. It is my expectation
that the meetings will be structured so as to have value for all of the participants and not become
simply an unproductive meeting and a burden on already tight staff schedules.
I will not suggest specific procedures or formats for the meetings as it is important that they evolve
to fit the nature of the respective groups that are in the meetings. If any of the departments or staff
groups need assistance please feel free to contact my office and I will be pleased to offer suggestions
and guidance to assist in the development and implementation of an effective approach to these staff
meetings.
Please provide Pauline Walters with a schedule of your department's regular staff meetings by June
15, 2001, so that as my schedule allows I can join your meetings. I also encourage the senior staff
to do the same with the departments who report to them.
JMG/lc
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