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The Leader’s Lens

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Over the past three days, we’ve explored key insights from Marshall Goldsmith’s “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There,” examining potentially limiting behaviors and the power of feedback. Today, we’re focusing on a crucial aspect of leadership excellence: the mindset and strategies for continuous improvement.

As city managers, you’re no strangers to the concept of continuous improvement in municipal operations. But how often do you apply this principle to your own leadership? Let’s explore how to cultivate a growth mindset and implement strategies for ongoing leadership development.

The Growth Mindset in Municipal Leadership

Carol Dweck’s research on mindset provides a powerful framework for understanding personal and professional development. A growth mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work – is particularly crucial for city managers navigating complex, ever-changing municipal landscapes.

Here’s how a growth mindset manifests in municipal leadership:

  1. Embracing challenges: Seeing difficult situations as opportunities for learning and innovation rather than insurmountable obstacles.
  2. Persisting in the face of setbacks: Viewing failures not as indictments of your abilities, but as valuable feedback for improvement.
  3. Seeing effort as the path to mastery: Understanding that leadership excellence comes through continuous effort and learning, not innate talent alone.
  4. Learning from criticism: Actively seeking and valuing constructive feedback as a tool for growth.
  5. Finding lessons and inspiration in others’ success: Viewing the achievements of other municipal leaders as inspiration rather than threat.

Strategies for Continuous Leadership Improvement

1. Regular Self-Assessment
Set aside time each month for honest self-reflection. Ask yourself:

  • What were my biggest leadership challenges this month?
  • How effectively did I handle them?
  • What could I have done differently?
  • What new skills or knowledge would have helped me perform better?

2. Personal Development Plan
Create and regularly update a personal development plan. Include:

  • Short-term and long-term leadership goals
  • Specific skills or areas of knowledge to develop
  • Action steps to achieve these goals
  • Timelines for completion
  • Methods for measuring progress

3. Continuous Learning
Commit to ongoing education:

  • Read widely, not just about municipal management, but also general leadership, psychology, and emerging trends
  • Attend workshops and conferences
  • Consider pursuing relevant certifications or advanced degrees
  • Engage in peer learning networks with other city managers

4. Seek Diverse Experiences
Broaden your perspective:

  • Volunteer for cross-departmental projects
  • Participate in community events outside your usual sphere
  • Seek mentoring relationships, both as mentor and mentee
  • Consider short-term job swaps with other municipal leaders

5. Practice Reflection and Mindfulness
Develop your self-awareness:

  • Keep a leadership journal to track your thoughts, decisions, and their outcomes
  • Practice mindfulness techniques to improve focus and reduce stress
  • Regularly revisit your core values and ensure your actions align with them

6. Leverage Technology
Use digital tools to support your growth:

  • Try leadership development apps for daily tips and exercises
  • Use project management tools to track your personal development goals
  • Engage in online learning platforms for on-demand skill development

Sustaining the Momentum

Remember, continuous improvement is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires consistent effort and a long-term commitment. Here are some tips to sustain your growth momentum:

  1. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for progress, no matter how small.
  2. Build a support network: Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you to grow.
  3. Make it a habit: Integrate your development activities into your daily or weekly routine.
  4. Be patient and kind to yourself: Growth takes time, and setbacks are part of the journey.

Your Leadership Evolution

By adopting a continuous improvement mindset, you’re not just enhancing your own leadership – you’re setting a powerful example for your entire organization. You’re creating a culture of growth, innovation, and resilience that can transform your municipality.

Your Turn

What’s one area of your leadership you’re currently working to improve? What strategies have you found most effective in your personal development journey? Share your thoughts in the comments on my LinkedIn page.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Leader’s Lens, and our podcast for more insights on municipal leadership.

Tomorrow, we’ll wrap up our series with practical steps to implement all we’ve discussed this week. Stay tuned for your roadmap to elevated municipal leadership!

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 leadership impact and their organizational culture.