This article discusses three levels of relationships that exist between council members and managers; discusses the importance of a good working relationship between the two; and outlines common areas of unhappiness, such as lack of "chemistry" and personality clashes, disagreement with the role of the manager and other power conflicts, and jealousy and dissatisfaction with department heads. It also lists management strategies which council members have stated they dislike, and outlines five initiatives that contribute to a mutually beneficial relationship between council members and the manager.