When we see the amazing success stories of professionals in local government, we are sometimes left wondering – how the heck do they have the time to do that? Discover below the daily habits of 9 successful local government leaders that help them reach their full potential. Learn these habits and apply them to your daily routine.

Harry Black, City Manager; Cincinnati, OH

“Don’t waste other people’s time, and don’t let them waste yours.”

Karen Pinkos, Assistant City Manager; El Cerrito, CA

“I have to admit, I am not as good as I’d like to be about daily habits!  But in thinking about my day, some things do stand out:

• I try to get out of my head and office and walk around a bit each day, talking to people about non-work things.  When I’m feeling really stuck, I get out into town: to our Community Center, Senior Center, Pool, Recycling Center, or one of our parks to see all the kids enjoying themselves or people taking classes or folks using our services…and seeing our non-City Hall employees in their natural habitat.  It reminds me why I do this work, and makes me feel good about why I do this work.
• I try to eat as healthy as I can.  But every now and again, despite my best intentions, I do indulge in cheeseburgers when necessary.
• For that matter, I always have candy in a jar on my desk, for various and obvious reasons.
• Despite my questionable food habits, I am addicted to my Fitbit, and work to get my 10,000 steps a day—even if it means walking in place while reading something in my office, or walking around my living room at night while I’m watching TV.
• Most nights, I turn off all devices and read an actual BOOK (the heavy, paper kind) right before I go to bed. 

I guess overall, I do try to take care of myself as best I can, think positively as best I can, and surround myself with fun things and good people. And I try never to take for granted that I have the very best job in the world!”

Ghida S. Neukirch, City Manager; Highland Park, IL

“Here are a few philosophies that I live by.  

• Always have an agenda for every meeting; it sets expectations for attendees and allows me to keep the meeting on course in respect of everyone's time. 
• Put first things first.  I can spend all day responding to emails and sitting in meetings and feel like I didn't accomplish anything.  I make time in my calendar for my projects - things that are imperative that I get done for the organization.  
• Walking meetings. Between work and family demands, my workouts often take a back seat.  At a minimum, I have walking meetings with my staff when I can so we at least get some steps in.  These are one-on-one meetings with directors. Not group meetings.  If anyone needs to take notes we record messages in voice notes on our phone.” 
  
  

Bill Horne, City Manager; Clearwater, Florida

“Some habits that have helped me in my professional career as city manager include giving myself quiet time each day before the work day begins, waking up at the same time (5 a.m.) each day, an open door policy for all to enter with some discretion (I do screen out harmful people), actively communicate with elected board, staff, citizens, community stakeholder leaders, and organized labor leaders, spiritually re-nourish myself through faith based activities and worship every Sunday morning at a local church in my community.” 

Daryl J. Delabbio, PhD, County Administrator/Controller; County of Kent, WI

“It’s not new or innovative, but I like to get into the office early and review what meetings I have and what’s on my “to-do list.” Similarly, at the end of the day, I like to review what I’ve done and do a quick look at the next day’s agenda. There is a tool I use that is particularly useful for the “end of the day” review, which is quick and easy to sign up for, and it’s free. It’s called “idonethis” and can be found at https://home.idonethis.com. I also use electronic post it notes on my desktop to keep track of a couple of important things I’m involved in, including a running list of collaborative activities Kent County is involved with during the year as well as a post-it for each direct report that I track their performance and jot down particularly good things they have done. I like this because it keeps the information in front of me daily and I don’t have to struggle as I put together an annual evaluation by trying to remember what has happened during the course of the year.”

Bob Harrison, City Administrator; Issaquah, WA

“I commit to connecting with my children every day.  A conversation is best, especially at breakfast or dinner.  Sometimes it is a quick phone call and on the really long days, it may be a short connection through texting. I make the time to attend their games or concerts, to play catch in the yard, or go for a walk with the kids and the dog.  The main daily habit I try to accomplish is to stay connected with them.  The business of work, which is invigorating, will be there for you. However, those moments with your family are precious, and can easily slip away without mindfully making it a daily habit to stay connected and engaged with them.”

Carlos Baia, Deputy City Manager; Concord, NH

“I’m a big fan of rolling “to-do” lists.  Sometimes in the hectic day-to-day nature of our jobs, we lose sight of the little accomplishments that can make a big difference.  For me, keeping a running list and crossing items off helps me stay focused and reminds me of the positive impact on our communities that we as managers can make each and every day.”

T.C. Broadnax, City Manager; Tacoma, WA

“My morning routine is to run for 30 minutes on the elliptical followed by 15-20 minutes of shooting baskets in the gym. This routine allows me to relieve stress, as well as clear my head, think through my day, and mentally walk through issues that I may need to resolve.”

Marc Landry, Chief Administrative Officer; Town of Ville de Beaumont, AB, CA

“I always try to integrate exercise in my morning ritual. If possible based on the schedule, I also try to have a walk outside during lunch. I get some of my best ideas during this time. And, I have realized through the years, that I can really get a lot done when I work in the office, when no one else is in the office."

Check out other Leadership {RE}Imagined articles here.