Stepping into a new leadership role, especially as a city manager, presents unique challenges and opportunities. Whether transitioning from another organization or stepping into a newly created position, success hinges on strategic planning, relationship-building, and adaptability. These #ThinkTankInsights, gathered from a recent City Manager and County Administrator Think Tank session, offer guidance for new city managers navigating their first 90 days. While not intended as a comprehensive checklist, these ideas provide valuable perspectives for leaders shaping their own approach.
1. Establish a Foundation of Trust
A new leader’s ability to create a safe space for dialogue is paramount. This means fostering an environment where employees, elected officials, and other stakeholders feel heard and respected. Start by:
- Hosting one-on-one meetings to understand individual perspectives.
- Actively listening and demonstrating empathy.
- Setting clear expectations about communication and collaboration.
Think Tank Insight: A long-standing employee with influence can shape perceptions. Engaging them early to build rapport can help set a positive tone.
2. Align Authority with Structure
Confusion about roles or conflicting governance documents can undermine authority and create obstacles. Address these issues promptly by:
- Reviewing all governing documents with legal counsel.
- Clarifying expectations with the elected body.
- Ensuring ordinances and policies align with the newly defined role.
Think Tank Insight: Establishing a formal leadership path early on solidifies the chain of command and builds organizational clarity.
3. Prioritize Relationship Building
Success as a city manager often depends on relationships not visible on the organizational chart. Invest time in:
- Identifying informal influencers and key stakeholders.
- Nurturing relationships with elected officials, department heads, and community leaders.
- Creating tailored questions for each meeting to maximize impact. For example, ask, “What do you feel is necessary from a culture perspective for us to get to 2035?”
Think Tank Insight: Spending time strategically is more effective than simply being present. The environment and purpose of each interaction matter.
4. Embrace Adaptive Leadership
Each organization is unique, and no single leadership style fits every scenario. Develop a playbook that includes:
- An assessment of the organization’s current culture.
- Flexible strategies to adapt to different situations.
- Ongoing feedback loops to evaluate effectiveness and adjust as needed.
Think Tank Insight: Leaders who ask themselves, “What does success look like to me?” can better balance quick wins with long-term relationship building.
5. Create Early Wins Without Overwhelming Yourself
While it’s tempting to make sweeping changes immediately, a measured approach often yields better results. Key steps include:
- Fixing pressing issues like governance gaps quickly.
- Focusing on symbolic changes, such as office updates, to signal a new chapter.
- Establishing a regular meeting schedule with the elected body after the first 30 days to review findings and set priorities.
Think Tank Insight: Slow and steady wins the race. A deliberate pace helps build trust while avoiding burnout.
6. Focus on Communication and Feedback
Constant vigilance is required to ensure effective communication. Key practices include:
- Maintaining two-way conversations with direct reports and elected officials.
- Seeking regular feedback on communication effectiveness.
- Using tools like AI to organize documents and track progress on relationships.
Think Tank Insight: “We’re not all Dr. Martin Luther King when sharing our vision, but we can all strive to communicate better.” Regular feedback helps refine this crucial skill.
Final Thoughts on Navigating the First 90 Days as a New City Manager
Every new leadership journey is unique, and the choices made in the early days set the tone for future success. The insights from this session underscore the importance of building trust, aligning structure, and leading with adaptability. Above all, remember that your path forward is yours to define—results will show whether it was the optimal one.
Depending on the specific situation, a Workshop or Retreat may be helpful while engaging and aligning the elected body, leadership team or to enhance and encourage employee engagement. You can contact us to discuss options or follow Imagine That Performance on LinkedIn.
What strategies have worked for you in a new leadership role? Share your thoughts below or join the conversation in our next Think Tank session.
