Introducing: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - Save 50% During Launch Phase

The Leader’s Lens

Every week, you’ll get insights and actionable steps to help you navigate personal growth and professional success.

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The Daily Snapshot

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, many city managers find themselves still tethered to their phones, responding to emails between family moments, or mentally processing work challenges during what should be downtime. This reality makes Covey’s seventh habit, “Sharpen the Saw,” perhaps the most crucial yet challenging principle for municipal leaders to embrace.

The Municipal Leadership Paradox

The very qualities that make many of you excellent city managers – your dedication, responsiveness, and sense of duty – can also lead to your burnout. Consider these common scenarios:

  • Sacrificing exercise time for early morning meetings
  • Skipping lunch to handle urgent issues
  • Postponing vacation due to upcoming council presentations
  • Missing family events for community functions

While each instance seems justified, the cumulative effect can be devastating to our effectiveness and well-being.

The Four Dimensions of Renewal

Covey’s principle of self-renewal spans four key dimensions. Let’s explore each through the municipal leadership lens:

1. Physical Renewal

The foundation of sustainable leadership:

  • Movement Meetings: Walk-and-talk sessions for one-on-ones
  • Calendar Blocking: Protected time for exercise, treating it as important as council meetings
  • Energy Management: Scheduling demanding tasks during your peak energy hours
  • Sleep Discipline: Setting boundaries around late-night work communications

2. Mental Renewal

Keeping your strategic thinking sharp:

  • Learning Blocks: Dedicated time for professional reading and development
  • Cross-Sector Insights: Studying leadership practices from different industries
  • Reflection Time: Regular periods for processing and planning
  • Skill Development: Continuous growth in new areas of municipal management

3. Emotional Renewal

Maintaining resilience in a high-pressure role:

  • Emotional Check-ins: Regular self-assessment of stress levels
  • Support Network: Maintaining connections with other city managers
  • Celebration Practice: Acknowledging wins, both small and large
  • Boundary Setting: Clear parameters for work availability

4. Spiritual Renewal

Connecting with your deeper purpose:

  • Values Alignment: Regular review of actions against personal values
  • Community Connection: Experiencing your city as a resident, not just a manager
  • Legacy Reflection: Considering your long-term impact
  • Purpose Reminders: Staying connected to why you chose public service

The Sustainable Leadership System

Creating lasting change requires a systematic approach:

1. Assessment

Start by evaluating your current renewal practices:

  • Where are you strongest?
  • Which dimension needs immediate attention?
  • What activities energize you most?

2. Design

Create a renewal plan that:

  • Fits your natural rhythm
  • Accommodates municipal schedules
  • Includes both daily and weekly practices
  • Builds in accountability

3. Implementation

Begin with:

  • One practice in each dimension
  • Clear success metrics
  • Regular review points
  • Adjustable parameters

Common Barriers and Solutions

1. The “Always On” Expectation

  • Solution: Establish clear communication protocols
  • Delegate emergency response roles
  • Educate stakeholders about boundaries

2. Crisis Interruptions

  • Solution: Build flexibility into renewal practices
  • Create backup plans for disrupted routines
  • Focus on minimum viable renewal activities

3. Guilt About Self-Care

  • Solution: Reframe renewal as leadership responsibility
  • Connect personal well-being to community impact
  • Share practices with your team

The Ripple Effect

When city managers prioritize self-renewal:

  • Teams perform better
  • Decisions improve
  • Relationships strengthen
  • Innovation increases
  • Communities benefit

Remember: Taking time to “sharpen the saw” isn’t selfish – it’s a fundamental leadership responsibility.

Transform Your Leadership Sustainability in 2025
Ready to create a sustainable leadership practice that serves both you and your community? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching on January 6, 2025, offers city managers a structured approach to building sustainable leadership practices. Join a community of municipal leaders committed to maintaining excellence while preserving personal well-being.

Learn More & Secure Your Seat

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 their approach to sustainable leadership while building lasting foundations for personal and professional excellence.