Introducing: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - Save 50% During Launch Phase
Every week, you’ll get insights and actionable steps to help you navigate personal growth and professional success.
Picture this: You’ve just finished a contentious council meeting. The controversial development project was approved. The immediate crisis is “handled.” Yet hours later, you’re lying awake, your mind racing, your body tense – despite the fact that the situation is technically resolved.
Sound familiar?
As municipal leaders, you’re experts at managing crises. But there’s a crucial distinction that the Nagoski sisters’ research on burnout reveals: Managing the stressor (the council meeting, the development project, the public controversy) is not the same as managing the stress itself. This insight has profound implications for how we approach leadership sustainability in municipal government.
“It’s just part of the job.”
How many times have you heard this phrase – or said it yourself – when discussing the endless demands of municipal leadership? The late-night calls, the constant vigilance, the personal sacrifices… we’ve accepted these as inevitable costs of serving our communities.
But what if this deeply held belief isn’t just wrong – what if it’s actively undermining your ability to lead effectively?
With city managers, it’s often joked about stress being part of the job description. The 2 AM emergency calls. The constant juggling of council priorities. The weight of community expectations. But what if your acceptance of chronic stress isn’t just affecting you personally – what if it’s quietly undermining your cities’ potential?
This week, we’re diving deep into groundbreaking research on burnout that has profound implications for municipal leadership. Through my interactions with city managers across the country, I’ve seen how the insights from Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s book on burnout specifically apply to the unique pressures of municipal leadership.
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.
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?
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?
In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter looks at the warning signs and effects of burnout. If you are experiencing these feelings or physical symptoms, do something about it. Talk with a friend, meet with a counselor, or schedule a call with a coach.
We need you in the game. We need you thriving. If you’re breathing today, then your life has a purpose. I want you to not only find your purpose but tie it to your deepest passions.
