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.”
Understanding Vulnerability in Leadership
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:
- Admitting when you don’t have all the answers
- Asking for help or input from your team or the community
- Acknowledging mistakes and learning from them publicly
- Sharing concerns about challenging projects or decisions
- Being transparent about the decision-making process, even when it’s complex or unpopular
The Challenge for City Managers
As leaders in the public sector, city managers face unique challenges when it comes to embracing vulnerability:
- Public Scrutiny: Every decision and action is subject to public and media scrutiny, making it tempting to project an image of unwavering certainty. The fear of public criticism can stifle authentic communication.
- Political Pressure: Navigating complex political environments can make vulnerability feel risky. There’s a valid concern that transparency may be weaponized against you in the political arena.
- Expectation of Expertise: There’s often an unrealistic expectation that city managers should be experts in all areas of municipal governance. The pressure to be both a superstar specialist and a powerhouse generalist can be overwhelming.
- Crisis Management: In times of crisis, there’s immense pressure to appear strong and in control at all times, often at the cost of acknowledging the mental and emotional toll of leadership.
- Balancing Act: City managers must balance vulnerability with professionalism, finding ways to be authentic without compromising their authority or the public’s trust.
The Power of Vulnerability in Municipal Leadership
Despite these challenges, leaning into vulnerability will transform your leadership and your city:
- Build Trust: When you’re genuine and open, it fosters trust with your team, elected officials, and the public. Focus on building trust with those who matter most: your team and the community you serve. Remember, there will always be critics, but authentic leadership resonates with the majority.
- Encourage Innovation: By admitting you don’t have all the answers, you create space for others to contribute ideas and solutions. Embrace your role as the conductor of a professional orchestra that is city hall. Your strength lies in bringing out the best in your team of experts.
- Improve Decision-Making: Vulnerability allows for more honest discussions, leading to better-informed decisions. When we lay all perspectives on the table, we can de-personalize issues and rally around the best ideas that move the community forward.
- Enhance Resilience: A culture that embraces vulnerability is better equipped to handle setbacks and learn from mistakes. Reframe failures as opportunities for growth and improvement, not career-defining moments.
- Strengthen Community Connections: Open, vulnerable leadership can lead to more authentic engagement with the community. It humanizes city government and encourages citizen participation.
Cultivating Vulnerability as a Skill
Embracing vulnerability is a skill that can be developed:
- Start Small: Begin with small acts of vulnerability in low-stakes situations. For example, admit uncertainty about a minor project detail in a team meeting.
- Practice Self-Awareness: Reflect on your emotions and reactions, especially in challenging situations. Keep a leadership journal to track your growth and insights.
- Encourage Feedback: Create safe spaces for your team to provide honest feedback. Implement anonymous suggestion boxes or regular “pulse check” meetings.
- Share Learning Moments: When things don’t go as planned, share what you’ve learned from the experience. This could be through staff meetings, community forums, or even a city manager’s blog.
- Model the Behavior: As a leader, when you demonstrate vulnerability, you give others permission to do the same. Share your own professional development goals with your team.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to differentiate between productive vulnerability and oversharing. It’s okay to keep some aspects of your work private.
The Role of Executive Coaching
Developing the skill of vulnerability can be challenging, especially given the unique pressures of city management. This is where executive coaching can play a crucial role. A coach can:
- Provide a safe, confidential space to explore vulnerable leadership
- Offer strategies tailored to your specific municipal context
- Support you as you push beyond your comfort zone
- Help you navigate the fine line between vulnerability and maintaining professional boundaries
- Assist in developing resilience against potential backlash from increased openness
Conclusion
Rumbling with vulnerability isn’t about oversharing or ignoring professional boundaries. It’s about having the courage to show up authentically, to admit when you don’t have all the answers, and to create a culture where innovation, trust, and resilience can thrive. As city managers, when we embrace vulnerability, we open up new possibilities for our teams, our organizations, and the communities we serve.
Remember, the goal isn’t to be vulnerable for vulnerability’s sake, but to use it as a tool for more effective, human-centered leadership. By doing so, you not only become a better leader but also set a new standard for transparency and authenticity in public service.
In our next post, we’ll explore how living into our values complements and reinforces the practice of vulnerable leadership in city management, providing a solid foundation for courageous civic leadership. Share your own insights and thoughts on our LinkedIn page.
