Vision-Driven Leadership: A City Manager’s Guide to Beginning with the End in Mind

In the daily whirlwind of municipal management, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of reactive leadership. A water main breaks at 2 AM, the council needs urgent budget revisions, and three department heads are waiting for crucial decisions. Yet, as Stephen Covey reminds us in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” true leadership effectiveness starts with “Beginning with the End in Mind.”

The Vision Challenge in Municipal Leadership

As city managers, you face a unique challenge when it comes to visioning. Unlike private sector leaders who might focus solely on profit margins or market share, you must balance multiple “ends”:

• The community’s long-term vitality
• Your organization’s effectiveness
• Your team’s development
• Your personal leadership legacy

Each of these requires careful consideration and intentional planning. Yet, how do we maintain this long-term focus while managing daily crises?

Creating Your Leadership Legacy Statement

Covey suggests starting with a personal mission statement. For city managers, I propose creating a Leadership Legacy Statement that addresses three key questions:

1. Community Impact: When you look back on your tenure, what lasting change do you want to have created in your community?
2. Organizational Development: What kind of culture and capabilities do you want to leave behind?
3. Team Growth: How do you want your people to have grown under your leadership?

This statement becomes your North Star, guiding decisions both big and small.

From Vision to Daily Decision-Making

The real power of “Beginning with the End in Mind” comes in its daily application. Here’s how to make it practical:

1. The Weekly Review

Start each week by reviewing your Leadership Legacy Statement. Ask yourself:

• Which activities this week align with my long-term vision?
• What opportunities exist to move key initiatives forward?
• Where might I need to say “no” to maintain focus?

2. The Crisis Filter

When emergencies arise (as they always do), use your vision as a filter:

• How does handling this crisis align with our long-term goals?
• What approach to this situation would best serve our ultimate vision?
• What learning opportunities exist here for my team?

3. The Development Lens

View team interactions through the lens of your legacy:

• How can this meeting contribute to someone’s growth?
• What delegation opportunities align with our long-term needs?
• Which conversations need to happen now to build future capabilities?

Making Space for Vision Work

One of the biggest challenges in municipal leadership is finding time for strategic thinking. Here are practical strategies:

1. Calendar Blocking: Schedule regular “vision time” – even 30 minutes can make a difference
2. Strategic Walks: Use travel time between meetings for reflection and planning
3. Team Engagement: Make vision discussions part of your regular leadership team meetings

Overcoming Vision Barriers

Common obstacles to vision-driven leadership include:

• Political Pressures: Short-term political cycles vs. long-term community needs
• Resource Constraints: Limited budgets and competing priorities
• Crisis Management: The tyranny of the urgent

The key is not to eliminate these pressures (they’re part of municipal leadership) but to maintain vision while navigating them.

Starting Today

As we approach the new year, take these steps to strengthen your vision-driven leadership:

1. Draft your Leadership Legacy Statement
2. Share it with a trusted advisor for feedback
3. Schedule your first weekly vision review
4. Identify one long-term initiative to move forward this week

Remember, effective municipal leadership isn’t just about managing today’s challenges – it’s about building tomorrow’s community.

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Transform Your Vision-Driven Leadership in 2025
Ready to take your strategic leadership to the next level? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching on January 6, 2025, offers city managers a structured approach to developing and implementing their leadership vision. Join a community of forward-thinking municipal leaders and gain access to tools, frameworks, and expert guidance for turning your vision into reality.

Learn More & Save Your Seat

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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 strategic vision into tangible community impact while building lasting foundations for municipal excellence.