Every week, you’ll get insights and actionable steps to help you navigate personal growth and professional success.
Hello, Visionary City Leaders!
Welcome to this week’s edition of “The Leader’s Lens!” As we navigate the unique landscape of municipal leadership, one truth becomes increasingly clear: the most impactful leaders are those who truly understand themselves. This week, we’ve explored the transformative power of self-awareness and how it can revolutionize your approach to city management.
As city managers, you’re often expected to have all the answers, to be infallible decision-makers steering municipalities through calm and stormy seas alike. But what if I told you that the key to more effective leadership lies not in perfection but in vulnerability? This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s a core principle in Brené Brown’s groundbreaking book, “Dare to Lead.”
Brown defines vulnerability as “the emotion we experience during times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” She argues that far from being a weakness, vulnerability is our most accurate measure of courage. It’s about showing up and being seen, even when there are no guarantees.
In the context of city management, vulnerability might look like:
