COUNCIL GETS TIPS ON BETTER RELATIONS.

Byline: Cecilia Chan Daily News Staff Writer

Members of the historically divisive City Council were optimistic about a better working relationship Saturday as they concluded a two-day workshop on learning how to get along.

``It's the most time I ever spent at one time with people other than my family,'' Mayor Linda Parks said. ``I've learned more about the management styles of my fellow council members and more of their desires of how they want to communicate. I think it's a good idea, and I'm glad we did it.''

The council's goals going into the workshop included a greater understanding of each other's decision-making styles; deepening openness, respect and trust; and establishing ground rules for an effective working relationship. Interim City Manager MaryJane Lazz and City Attorney Mark Sellers also participated in the round-table discussions, held at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza in Westlake Village.

Facilitator David Jones of Sentient Systems in Santa Barbara directed council members and staffers to separate into groups and work on a variety of assignments. One had them listing eight ways to describe a drawing - an exercise aimed at fostering greater understanding of each other.

``There is a pattern in this room where people look for things to disagree with,'' Jones said. ``If you are trying to build a team, you have got to start with what you agree with.''

The participants learned what each other's leadership styles were, as assessed by their friends in a questionnaire handed out weeks ago. They were given workbooks showing how to deal with each of those characteristics.

``The object is to come out of here with a new policy team,'' said Jones, who was paid $15,000 for his work.

The council and staff established ground rules for themselves, including how to communicate with each other, make decisions and handle the media.

``We should start a new day,'' said Councilman Mike Markey. He urged his peers not to bring personal feelings into the job of running the city and to respect each other for their differences.

It wasn't all good feelings. Council members took shots at each other over issues such as labeling.

Councilman Andy Fox wanted Parks and Councilman Dan Del Campo to promise not to use the terms ``pro-growth,'' ``slow-growth,'' ``minority'' and ``majority'' in describing themselves or their peers.

``It's been destructive to the city,'' Fox said.

Del Campo said he didn't want to commit himself to avoiding the labels, to which Fox responded, ``You are reluctant to do it because it's not politically good for you.''

Parks then said to Fox, ``It would be politically good for you to not use these terms.''

Council members did agree unanimously on a list of goals for the city that included continuing strong law enforcement, developing public-private recreation and stopping ridge development.

``It's a big step forward, the fact that they are here and are willing to give up a Saturday to build a better relationship,'' Jones said.

Jones, who will prepare a report for the city, said it was too soon to tell if the workshop was successful. He said it will be up to the council as to whether he comes back for follow-ups.

``My hope is a better understanding of how each individual council member arrives at their decision,'' said new Councilman Dennis Gillette. ``I think (the workshop) is very helpful.''