As we close out both this holiday week and 2024, it’s time to transform the powerful insights from Covey’s work into concrete action steps for your municipal leadership journey. This week, we’ve explored three transformative habits: Beginning with the End in Mind, Seeking First to Understand, and Sharpening the Saw. Now, let’s create a practical implementation plan that works in the real world of city management.
The 90-Day Municipal Leadership Evolution
Rather than attempting a complete overhaul, let’s break down implementation into manageable 30-day sprints, focusing on one primary habit each month while maintaining awareness of all three.
Month One: Vision-Driven Leadership
Week 1-2: Foundation
Draft your Leadership Legacy Statement
Share it with your leadership team for feedback
Create visible reminders in your office
Schedule weekly vision review time
Week 3-4: Integration
Filter three key decisions through your vision
Identify one long-term initiative to advance
Begin vision-focused agenda items in staff meetings
Document vision-aligned wins
Month Two: Understanding-Based Leadership
Week 1-2: Practice
Implement the Pause Practice in two meetings per day
Use the Four Questions Framework in stakeholder interactions
Practice the Reflection Loop after significant conversations
Keep an “Understanding Journal” of insights gained
Week 3-4: Application
Hold listening sessions with key stakeholders
Train your leadership team in the understanding tools
Create understanding-based meeting protocols
Document improved outcomes from better understanding
Month Three: Sustainable Excellence
Week 1-2: Assessment and Design
Complete a renewal audit across all four dimensions
Design your ideal weekly renewal schedule
Identify and communicate your non-negotiable renewal practices
Set up renewal accountability partnerships
Week 3-4: Implementation
Begin daily minimum renewal practices
Integrate team renewal activities
Establish renewal-supporting protocols
Track energy and effectiveness metrics
The Integration Framework
Success comes from weaving these habits together. Here’s how:
Daily Practices (15-30 minutes total)
1. Morning Vision Review (5 minutes)
Review Leadership Legacy Statement
Identify one vision-aligned priority
Set understanding intentions
2. Mid-Day Understanding Check (5 minutes)
Review key conversations
Note insights gained
Plan afternoon interactions
3. Evening Renewal (5-15 minutes)
Physical: Brief movement
Mental: Capture lessons learned
Emotional: Celebrate wins
Spiritual: Gratitude practice
Weekly Rhythms (2-3 hours total)
1. Strategic Monday (30 minutes)
Review vision alignment
Set understanding goals
Plan renewal activities
2. Walking Wednesday (1 hour)
Combine physical renewal with team connections
Practice understanding skills
Reflect on vision progress
3. Reflection Friday (30 minutes)
Document progress
Adjust approaches
Plan next week
Overcoming Implementation Challenges
1. Time Constraints
Solution:
Start with 5-minute practices
Combine activities (like walking meetings)
Use transition times effectively
2. Consistency Struggles
Solution:
Create environmental triggers
Build accountability partnerships
Track small wins daily
3. Crisis Interruptions
Solution:
Maintain minimum practices during crises
Return to full practice quickly
Learn from disruptions
Your 2025 Leadership Journey
As you prepare to implement these practices in the new year:
1. Start Now
Choose one practice from each habit
Begin before January 1st
Build momentum through small wins
2. Build Support
Share your commitment with key stakeholders
Find an accountability partner
Join a community of practice
3. Stay Flexible
Adjust practices as needed
Learn from setbacks
Celebrate progress
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but progress. Each small step forward in these practices strengthens your leadership impact and builds a better future for your community.
Transform Your Leadership Impact in 2025 Ready to take your municipal leadership to the next level? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching on January 6, 2025, provides the structure, support, and accountability you need to implement these transformative practices successfully. Join a community of municipal leaders committed to excellence and gain access to proven tools, frameworks, and expert guidance for lasting leadership impact.
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 leadership insights into tangible results while building sustainable practices for long-term success.
