The Golden Nugget January 2025
It’s the new year. Everyone is reflecting on the year that has passed, and is taking stock of themselves as they look forward to the new year—on all levels. Whether it’s resolving to eat better, exercise, get more sleep, or spend more time with family, the turn of the year provides a great opportunity to reset, and resolve to do better. As local government managers, this is a pivotal time of year to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the past year, recommit to ourselves, our organizations and our communities to fulfill our purpose for the year ahead, and feel a sense of rejuvenation as we move forward.
What did the past year do for you as a manager? Take a minute to look back and reflect on the successes and challenges you faced. Whether you started a major construction project to build a new park, recognized the need to rebuild your team and improve morale, or began exploring new ways to better communicate with your elected officials and community, these will be a springboard for success in the new year.
If you’re questioning your role and impact as a manager, think about what brought you to the profession in the first place. Was it the variety of projects, the desire to make your community better, the sense of accomplishment you feel in being a part of something bigger than yourself? Climb back up to the 30,000-foot view and remind yourself why it is you do what you do. Think about the positive changes under your watch, and the potential for even more in the year to come. If you still feel that desire to make a difference as a manager, take a deep breath and renew your commitment to yourself, your team, and your community to fulfill that purpose.
What’s on your list for the new year? As you look ahead, let your hope for the future and your resolve give you a fresh start and the peace you need to feel rejuvenated and excited for the year to come. You’ve got this. And speaking of rejuvenation, the VLGMA winter conference is just around the corner. If you’ve not yet registered, now is the time to make that happen. Come to Charlottesville to reconnect with colleagues and friends, and be reminded why you do the good work you do.
Until next time,
Debbie