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Welcome to the premiere episode of our new podcast series, “The Municipal Tightrope: Taming the Three-Headed Snake.” In this five-part journey, we’ll be exploring the complex and often overlooked world of city management.
In our inaugural episode, we introduce you to the dedicated professionals who keep our cities running smoothly: America’s city managers. Drawing from interviews with nearly 50 city managers across the United States, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of municipal leadership.
Whether you’re a public servant, a community leader, or simply curious about how your city operates, this episode provides valuable insights into the often-overlooked world of city management.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Have you had experiences with city management in your community? What surprised you about the role of city managers? Share your comments on our LinkedIn page.
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive deeper into the specific challenges these city managers face. We’ll explore what happens “When the Snake Strikes” – the conflicts, obstacles, and dilemmas that make city management such a demanding job.
Don’t forget to subscribe to The HaltingWinter Podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform to ensure you don’t miss any episodes in this illuminating series.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the municipal tightrope. We’ll see you on the streets and in the byways!
In Patrick Lencioni’s “The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive,” he highlights four key disciplines that leaders should prioritize to build a healthy organization. Today, we’ll explore how these obsessions can be applied specifically to the unique challenges and opportunities encountered by city managers.
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.
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.
