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.
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.
