Passionate city leaders are the heartbeat of thriving communities. Safeguarding this passion is not just personal—it’s a civic responsibility. As leaders tasked with guiding our cities through complex challenges, we must recognize that our effectiveness is directly tied to our well-being. The authors of “Peak Performance” emphasize that sustainable high performance requires a delicate balance between stress and recovery. Let’s explore how city leaders can apply these principles to prevent burnout and maintain their effectiveness.
Understanding Burnout in City Management
Burnout in city leadership often manifests as:
Emotional exhaustion
Cynicism or detachment from work
Decreased sense of personal accomplishment
Physical symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, or frequent illnesses
The unique pressures of city management, including public scrutiny, budget constraints, and the need to balance diverse community interests, can exacerbate these symptoms.
The Cost of Burnout
A burned-out city manager can have far-reaching negative impacts:
Drawing from the book “Peak Performance” and adapting these insights for city leadership:
1. Prioritize Work-Life Balance
Set clear boundaries between work and personal time
Use technology to your advantage, but know when to disconnect
Delegate effectively to avoid overextension
2. Practice Mindfulness
Incorporate short mindfulness exercises into your daily routine
Use mindfulness to enhance focus and reduce stress during challenging meetings or decisions
3. Optimize Your Energy Management
Identify your peak productivity hours and schedule important tasks accordingly
Take regular breaks to recharge – even short breaks can boost productivity
4. Cultivate Supportive Relationships
Build a network of peer city managers for support and idea-sharing
Foster a strong relationship with an executive coach to create a safe space to vent and think creatively
5. Engage in Purposeful Rest
Schedule time for activities that rejuvenate you outside of work
Prioritize sleep – good sleep is crucial for sustained performance
6. Regular Physical Activity
Incorporate exercise into your routine, even if it’s just a short walk between meetings
Consider standing or walking meetings for less formal discussions
7. Continuous Learning and Growth
Engage in professional development to stay motivated and inspired
Seek out new challenges that align with your strengths and interests
8. Practice Stress-Recovery
After particularly stressful periods (e.g., budget season, crisis management), intentionally schedule recovery time
Use techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation for quick stress relief
9. Develop a Resilience Routine
Create a personal routine that builds your resilience over time
This might include gratitude practices, reflection, or connecting with mentors
10. Regular Self-Assessment
Periodically check in with yourself to assess your stress levels and job satisfaction
Be proactive in addressing early signs of burnout
Implementing Burnout Prevention in Your Leadership
Lead by Example: Demonstrate a healthy work-life balance and intentional boundaries to your team
Create a Culture of Well-being: Implement policies that support employee wellness
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for input from your team on workload and stress levels
Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge achievements to maintain a sense of accomplishment
Plan for Succession: Ensure your leadership team is prepared to step up when you need time off
Reflection Questions
What are your early warning signs of approaching burnout?
Which burnout prevention strategies resonate most with your leadership style and city’s needs?
How can you restructure your work week to incorporate more intentional recovery time?
What support do you need from your team or council to implement these burnout prevention strategies?
Remember, preventing burnout isn’t just about personal well-being—it’s about ensuring you can continue to lead effectively and serve your community to the best of your abilities.
By implementing these strategies, you’re not just taking care of yourself; you’re safeguarding the long-term success and well-being of your entire city.
Seth Winterhalter is President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Through executive coaching, consulting, and the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), HaltingWinter helps city managers and municipal leaders transform their leadership impact and their organizational culture.
