7 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First City Manager Role | Ep.6

Being a City Manager is about more than policy and budgets—it’s about presence, relationships, and the courage to lead when it counts most.

 

In this solo episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann shares the 7 things he wishes he knew before taking on his first city manager role. After 25 years in and around local government, the last six years managing two cities—through incredible wins and one very difficult loss—Chris reflects on the real, unspoken truths of local government leadership.

 

This is a personal, unfiltered conversation about what it truly takes to succeed in the city manager seat. From managing pace and political pressure to protecting your inner circle and standing by your values—this episode is packed with real-world advice for those who lead (or aspire to lead) in local government.

 

Whether you’re a department head preparing to step up, a new city manager looking for solid footing, or a seasoned veteran navigating your own challenges, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a dose of hard-won wisdom.

 

 

🔑 Key Learnings:

• Presence matters: “You bring the weather with you.”

• Every conversation counts: There’s no such thing as a small comment in leadership.

• Pace yourself: The private sector mindset often clashes with the public sector process.

• Relationships are everything: Trust is earned, not assumed.

• Invest in your team and council: Go deeper than you think you need to.

• Protect your energy: Keep your inner circle small.

• Lead with courage: Sometimes leadership means risking the title to uphold your values.

 

 

📌 Featured Topics:

• Emotional intelligence in executive roles

• Building trust with council and staff

• Navigating professional betrayal

• Surviving and thriving after separation

• The difference between ethics and job security

• Leading with integrity during uncertainty

• What it really takes to succeed in city management

 

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Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Leadership Lessons, Public Administration, Gov360 Podcast, Executive Leadership, Chris Mann, Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, Council-Manager Relations, Career in Local Government, ICMA, League of California Cities, Public Sector, Governance, Transition, Resilience, Govern Boldly