Teamwork and Roles
A rowing eight is used as a memorable analogy for how councillors, directors, the general manager and the community each play a distinct role in a well-functioning council.
An easy to understand example we like to use to explain the importance of teamwork and understanding each other's roles is that of the rowing eight. Quite obviously, every member of the eight, plus the coxswain, must understand their role and that of other members of the team, and they must in turn perform and work together. If there is a weakness, the boat fails.
Rowers 7 and 8
In rowing terms: 8 is the stern rower and the most powerful. In conjunction with 7, these two establish the stroke rate and rhythm and transmit it to the rest of the boat.
In local government terms: Council and councillors are the equivalent of 7 and 8. Through their resolutions, they determine the direction the boat is to go and convey their decisions to the organisation. They allocate resources and set the strategic direction.
Rowers 3, 4, 5 and 6
In rowing terms: These rowers are the engine room. They don't have to be as technically aware or reactive to the movements of the boat, they focus on doing the work.
In local government terms: These are the directors and their staff. They concentrate on the directions given and carry out the resolutions of the council by implementing various work programs.
Rowers 1 and 2
In rowing terms: These two have responsibility for the stability and direction of the boat, and are the foremost rowers. They have to be quick to react to the boat's movements and the environment around them.
In local government terms: They are the mayor and the general manager. They guide the direction of the organisation. They have to be technically correct, flexible and quick to react to the multitude of issues affecting local government. They must work in unison and give effect to the direction of the council.
The position of coxswain
In rowing terms: In a rowing crew, the coxswain is the member who sits in the stern facing the bow. The coxswain is responsible for steering the boat and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers. In some capacities, the coxswain is also responsible for implementing the training regimen or race plan.
In local government terms: The coxswain is the community. The community dictates the direction it wants the council to take via the Community Strategic Plan, which then translates into its operational budget.
In summary, everyone is in the boat together, and the boat won't go forward unless everyone plays their part.