Every week, you’ll get insights and actionable steps to help you navigate personal growth and professional success.
As city managers, you’re intimately familiar with stress. The constant demands, unexpected crises, and high-stakes decisions are part of your daily routine. But what if I told you that this stress, when properly managed, could be a key to your professional growth instead of your demise?
Enter the “Growth Equation”: Stress + Rest = Growth
As a city manager, you’re no stranger to the constant buzz of work-related thoughts. The nature of your role demands attention to detail, strategic thinking, and a commitment to your community that often extends beyond the typical 9-to-5. But what happens when this dedication starts to encroach on your personal time, leaving you mentally tethered to work even as the weekend arrives?
In my time serving as an executive coach to significant leaders such as city managers, I’ve witnessed firsthand the immense pressures and complex challenges that come with running a large multifaceted organization, especially a municipality. From budget constraints to infrastructure crises, the weight of responsibility can be overwhelming. It’s a role that demands serious consideration and often leaves little room for levity with all of the compounding stress. Yet, a surprising insight from an unexpected source has shed new light on how we might approach these weighty issues more effectively.
City managers, let’s talk about creativity in municipal work. Why is it that our cities, meant to be hubs of innovation, often struggle with creative problem-solving?
Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer for city leaders. Dr. van der Kolk’s groundbreaking work in “The Body Keeps the Score” reveals how mindfulness can revolutionize your decision-making and stress management.
Challenge: Elevate your next meeting with our 60-Second Mindfulness Exercise!
In “The Body Keeps the Score,” Dr. van der Kolk emphasizes the healing power of human connection. As city managers, we’re uniquely positioned to foster this in our communities.
Consider this: How can you create more opportunities for meaningful connection in your city? It could be community events, public forums, or even how you interact with your team. By prioritizing human connection, we not only build stronger communities but also create a buffer against the stress and trauma that can come with public service.
As city managers, you often carry the weight of a community on your shoulders. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s “The Body Keeps the Score” reminds us that chronic stress isn’t just a mental challenge—it’s physical too. Our bodies literally keep score of the pressures we face.
Try this: Take moments throughout the day to check in with your body. Are your shoulders tense? Jaw clenched? By recognizing specific physical signals, you can intervene early to decrease stress and tension, using tools such as a quick stretch or deep breathing exercise.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential for effective leadership.
Save this infographic for quick reference throughout your day. How do you manage stress in your role? Share your tips in the comments!
Are you a city manager or administrator navigating the complex dynamics of local government? Your experience is invaluable, and we want to hear from you!
Contrary to popular belief, statistics show that the average tenure of city managers isn’t shrinking as fast as your neighbor’s waist on Ozempic. But what if this seemingly positive trend masks a brutal reality?
