Growing Together: The Flight Path of Municipal Leadership

Municipal government leadership requires more than just knowledge of public administration. It requires the ability to adapt, grow, and evolve with one's team. This is a concept that is often overlooked in leadership discussions, yet it is instrumental in driving the success of a team, department, or an entire municipality.

Interestingly enough, my most profound lesson in leadership growth came not from a city hall, but from a military base in Korea. At Kunsan Air Base, I was tasked with leading a newly formed flight–a group of individuals who were considered "problem children" by their previous leaders. This was a challenge, no doubt. However, what made the difference was not my ability to manage them. Instead, it was my commitment to grow with them.

At our first meeting, I was honest about their circumstances. I acknowledged that they had been sent to this new flight because no one else wanted them. But importantly, I also made it clear that I wanted them, and that I was ready to grow with them. This shared growth journey was what turned our ragtag group into the most efficient, tightest-working flight on the base. Not because I had all the answers, but because I was willing to learn, adapt, and evolve with them.

This experience taught me several invaluable lessons about leadership growth. First, a leader must continue to grow. If they don't, their team will either plateau or outgrow them. Second, when a leader grows, they encourage their team to do the same. It sets a tone of continued learning and improvement, and it fosters trust. Finally, shared growth builds loyalty. Seeing a leader learn and adapt alongside their team reinforces the sense that the leader is fully invested in their team's success.

Municipal leadership is no different. In fact, the need for ongoing leadership growth is arguably more critical in the context of municipal government. Municipal leaders face unique and complex challenges, from managing public resources to implementing policies that directly affect the lives of citizens. As such, the ability to adapt and grow is not just a nice-to-have. It's a must-have.

So how can we foster this culture of shared growth in municipal government? It starts with an ongoing commitment to learning and development. This can take the form of regular training sessions, workshops, or even informal learning opportunities. It also involves creating a safe space for mistakes and failures, recognizing them as opportunities for learning and growth.

Additionally, municipal leaders must be willing to lead by example. This means being open about their own learning journeys, and actively seeking out opportunities for growth. When leaders are seen as co-learners rather than just managers, it creates a powerful culture of shared growth.

To quote an African Proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Municipal leaders must remember that their leadership journey is not a solo endeavor. It is a shared journey with their team. And when leaders are willing to grow with their team, they lay the groundwork for a high-performing, resilient municipal government that can truly serve the needs of its citizens.

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