With the New Year here, it’s time we get a new blog post up. Originally, I was planning to write about New Year’s resolutions, but our fearless ICMA leader Bob O’Neil stole my idea. Well, come to find out, January is National Mentoring Month—a much more fitting topic as we get closer to the annual MLGMA Winter Institute.
I have personally appreciated the coaching and mentoring that I have had access to over the years. As I have invested my time with the Professional Development Committee, we have worked to bring coaching and mentoring back to the forefront of MLGMA. Our team has been working hard during 2015 to develop a program that will provide value not just to our members, but future members as well, and those who have yet to find their way to our noble profession.
Recently, my personal experiences provide insight into the value of strong coaches and mentors. Six months ago, I lost “next door” access to who I now know as one of my most important professional mentors. I can look back and recognize mentoring moments that did not seem to be so at the time. Having recently been a first-time candidate for a City Manager position, his feedback and support have been invaluable.
However, in our profession, you are not going to make it far with just one person to lean on. It takes a village and you can bet that I have tapped into that village.
In February, Port Huron will serve as the backdrop to the rebirth of MLGMA’s Coaching and Mentoring efforts as we learn from Surry Scheerer, executive coach and leadership trainer. She will be sharing with us the power of using coaching skills to build leadership capacity and to foster professional relationships and organizations. Following her keynote address, we will have the opportunity to “jump in” and practice some of these skills—leaving with a framework to build on and apply.
I invite you in this month (National Mentoring Month) leading up to our Winter Institute, to reflect on your most important coaches and mentors. Do you have more to offer our profession? Have you made time to meet with a student? Can you give back by being part of the village that supports your peers? Bring these reflections to the conference and we will do our part to help you leave with the tools you need to be a strong coach and mentor.
As for New Year’s resolutions – I resolve to invest more time in my mentors and coaches (particularly on the water with a fly rod in my hand).
I hope to see you in February.
Nate Geinzer, Assistant to the City Manager
Farmington Hills
Nate joined the City of Farmington Hills management team in late 2007. He has a diverse set of responsibilities including special projects, policy research and development, and legislative affairs, He functions as a liaison to residents, helping to resolve citizen concerns and promote city initiatives. Nate is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a master’s degree in Public Administration. He has served in municipal government since 2005, and was previously employed by the cities of Brighton and Berkley. Nate is also chair of the MLGMA Professional Development Committee.