Episodes
-
Show Notes: Phil Kiraly: Finding Purpose in Public Service
Episode 139 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Join Seth Winterhalter as he interviews Phil Kiraly, Village Manager of Glencoe, Illinois, for a compelling conversation about finding purpose in public service. From his family's refugee story to innovative municipal leadership, Phil shares insights on thoughtful change management, maintaining personal well-being while managing Type 1 diabetes, and creating a culture of purposeful public service.Key Takeaways
The impact of family legacy on public service commitment How to implement change through thoughtful, strategic communication Strategies for maintaining work-life integration in municipal leadership Building trust through transparent communication and community engagement The importance of professional associations and peer relationships Creating innovative solutions to traditional municipal challengesCareer Highlights Discussed
Journey from Parks & Recreation to City Management Two-year internship with Village of Skokie Assistant Village Manager roles in Deerfield and Northbrook Village Manager of Glencoe since 2013 President of Illinois City/County Management Association Implementation of innovative integrated public safety departmentLeadership Insights
Converting "progress without change" to "progress requires thoughtful change" Building community trust through strategic communication Leveraging technology and social media for citizen engagement Creating cross-functional teams and innovative service delivery models The importance of staying connected to ground-level operations Balancing innovation with community traditionsResources Mentioned
Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA) International City/County Management Association (ICMA) The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resourcesConnect with Phil Kiraly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-kiraly-icma-cm-25016360/Connect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comThe MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: "Mindset and Municipal Leadership"
Episode 137 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Part 1 of 5: The Mindset SeriesEpisode Overview
In this first episode of our Mindset series, Seth Winterhalter explores how Carol Dweck's fascinating research on mindset applies specifically to municipal leadership, revealing how city managers' beliefs about growth and adaptation fundamentally shape their effectiveness as leaders and their cities' futures.Key Takeaways
How mindset impacts your response to council criticism and setbacks The relationship between leadership mindset and organizational culture Why growth-oriented leaders see challenges differently How your mindset shapes team development and innovationImplementation Examples
Transforming council meeting dynamics Reframing departmental challenges Enhancing team feedback processes Building resilient leadership practicesSpecial This Week: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial
All five Mindset podcast episodes Daily deep-dive blog posts Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion Complete access to the MLDC online platform Nationwide community of municipal leaders Start your free trial HERE
Experience the complete Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:Resources Mentioned
Book: "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol Dweck Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription) Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)Connect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com -
Missing episodes?
-
Show Notes: Travis Rothweiler: From Department Silos to 'One City'
Episode 137 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Join Seth Winterhalter and Travis Rothweiler, City Manager of Twin Falls, Idaho, for an inspiring discussion about transformational leadership and organizational culture. From his early start as a city administrator at age 28 to implementing the innovative "One City" initiative, Travis shares powerful insights on breaking down departmental silos, developing leaders at all levels, and maintaining personal balance in public service.Key Takeaways
How to transform traditional hierarchical structures into collaborative environments The power of empowering employees to think like city managers Strategies for implementing organization-wide leadership development Balancing professional demands with personal well-being The importance of humility in executive leadership Creating psychological safety for innovation and decision-makingCareer Highlights Discussed
Fifth-generation Montanan turned Idaho public servant City Administrator of Jerome, Idaho at age 28 Assistant City Manager role under 32-year veteran Tom Courtney 14 years as City Manager of Twin Falls Development and implementation of the One City initiative Leadership through significant economic development winsLeadership Insights
Moving from expert-based to collaborative decision-making Building trust through vulnerability and grace Empowering employees to lead the budget process Creating parallel teams to solve organizational challenges The importance of mentorship in leadership development Balancing family commitments with city management demandsPersonal Development Insights
Transition from Ironman training to family priorities Using fly fishing as both recreation and a leadership metaphor The importance of setting boundaries in a 24/7 role Managing crisis situations while maintaining personal balance Building sustainable leadership practicesResources Mentioned
The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resourcesConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comThe MLDC
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription during the month of January. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: Episode 136 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
"From Good to Great in Municipal Leadership"
Episode Overview
In this first episode of our Good to Great series, Seth Winterhalter explores how Jim Collins' groundbreaking research in his best-selling book, "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't," applies specifically to municipal leadership, revealing how city managers can transform their organizations from good to great despite public sector constraints.Key Takeaways
Why great organizations don't set out to become great The unique challenges and opportunities in municipal transformation Three key distinctions between good and great municipal organizations How to drive excellence within public sector constraintsImplementation Examples
Infrastructure maintenance transformation Cross-departmental innovation Strategic resource allocation Community engagement enhancementResources Mentioned
Book: "Good to Great" by Jim Collins The HaltingWinter Podcast: Episode 125 with Mike Land Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe for Free to The Leader's Lens Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDCConnect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comMLDC Membership Benefits
Daily leadership content Implementation guides Deep-dive podcast episodes Virtual Book Club discussions Peer discussion forums
Access the complete Good to Great series and join our growing community of municipal leaders through an MLDC membership. Get exclusive access to:Use promo code "podcast" for 20% off annual membership. Learn More -->
-
Show Notes: Sam Toles: From Hollywood to City Hall: Transforming Municipal Social Media
Episode 135 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Join Seth Winterhalter and Sam Toles, CEO of CiviSocial, for an innovative exploration of municipal communications in the digital age. Drawing from his extraordinary career spanning Hollywood studios, social media platforms, and local government, Sam shares transformative insights about authentic storytelling, modern engagement strategies, and empowering city staff to become effective content creators.Key Takeaways
Why traditional media approaches no longer serve local governments effectively The power of authentic, staff-driven video content in building community trust How to transform municipal communications without adding new staff Understanding the evolution from Social Media 1.0 to 2.0 The surprising trust advantage local governments have over traditional media Strategies for empowering young staff members as content creatorsCareer Highlights Discussed
Executive roles at major entertainment companies including MGM and Bleacher Report Experience as an elected City Council member Creation of innovative social media strategies for major brands Work with leading content creators including MrBeast Transition from entertainment industry to municipal consulting Development of municipal-focused social media training programsLeadership Insights
How to identify and empower natural content creators within your staff Converting technical information into engaging stories Building authentic connections through video content Managing political dynamics in municipal communications Transforming PIOs from content creators to content strategists Leveraging trust in local government for better engagementKey Concepts Covered
The shift from text-based to video-based social media Why comments matter less than shares in modern social media How to use AI tools effectively in municipal communications The importance of authentic, personal storytelling Strategies for breaking down departmental communication silos Building a sustainable content creation culture in local governmentConnect With Sam Toles
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samtoles1/ Website: www.CiviSocial.comResources Mentioned
The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resourcesConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comMLDC Launch Week
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription during the month of January. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: Episode 134
"Breaking Free from Carrot-and-Stick Leadership: Motivation That Works"
Part 1 of 5 The Drive Series
The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
In this first episode of our series exploring Daniel Pink's "Drive," Seth Winterhalter challenges traditional approaches to motivation in municipal government, revealing why the most successful city managers aren't those with the biggest incentive programs, but those who understand the true science of motivation.Key Takeaways
Why traditional reward systems often fail in municipal settings The unique motivational advantages of public service How to leverage meaning over monetary incentives The three fundamental elements that drive high performance in municipal governmentPractical Applications
Converting metrics into meaning Connecting daily tasks to community impact Creating engagement through purposeful challenge Balancing structure with autonomyResources Mentioned
Book: "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel Pink The HaltingWinter Podcast: Episode 127 with Sam Anselm on "Why Performance Reviews Are Crippling Municipal Culture" Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe for Free to The Leader's Lens Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): www.HaltingWinter.com/MLDCConnect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comMLDC Membership Benefits
Daily leadership content Implementation guides Deep-dive podcast episodes Virtual Book Club discussions Peer discussion forums
Access the complete Drive series and join our growing community of municipal leaders through an MLDC membership. Get exclusive access to:Use promo code "podcast" for 20% off annual membership. Learn More -->
-
Show Notes: Monte Walker: Broadcasting, Business & Building the Future
Episode 133 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Join Seth Winterhalter and Monte Walker, City Administrator of Howe, Texas, for a fascinating journey through municipal leadership from a uniquely multi-dimensional perspective. From his 30-year career as a sports broadcaster to owning the local newspaper and now leading his hometown's administration, Monte shares invaluable insights on community connection, cultural transformation, and preparing for transformative growth.Key Takeaways
The advantage of deep community roots in municipal leadership How diverse private sector experience enhances public service Strategies for managing cultural transformation during staff transitions Balancing small-town character with inevitable growth The importance of long-term infrastructure decisions in shaping a city's future Building trust through transparent communication and community engagementCareer Highlights Discussed
Multi-generational family history in Howe dating back to 1895 30+ years as a high school sports broadcaster Former owner of local newspaper publication Economic Development Director experience Leadership through critical infrastructure decisions Managing cultural transformation as City AdministratorLeadership Insights
Leveraging communication skills from broadcasting in municipal leadership Building trust through consistent community presence and engagement Balancing transparency with professional boundaries The importance of cultural fit in building an effective municipal team Making decisions with 75-year impact while maintaining current operationsKey Projects Discussed
Wastewater treatment planning for future growth Historical church building restoration project Cultural transformation within city staff Managing infrastructure emergencies in extreme weather Preparing for population growth from 3,700 to 10,000Resources Mentioned
The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resourcesConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comMLDC Launch Week
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched last week, on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription during the month of January. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE -
Show Notes: Episode 132: The Effective Executive
The HaltingWinter PodcastIn this episode and the first of a new five-part series (for MLDC members) on Peter Drucker's book, "The Effective Executive," Seth Winterhalter challenges our fundamental understanding of leadership effectiveness. Through the compelling story of a dedicated city manager, discover why being productive might actually be holding you back from being truly effective, and learn how to make the crucial shift from "doing things right" to "doing the right things."
Key Takeaways
The critical distinction between productivity and effectiveness in municipal leadership Why traditional measures of productivity can mask ineffectiveness Four essential strategies for becoming a more effective leader The relationship between strategic focus and leadership impactCore Principles Explored
Strategic Time Management: Moving beyond "busy" to "effective" Decision Impact: Making fewer but more significant decisions Team Development: Building self-sufficient operational teams Strategic Space: Creating room for true leadership workLeadership Applications
Identifying truly important priorities versus urgent tasks Developing criteria for strategic decision-making Creating systems for effective delegation Establishing space for strategic thinkingResources Mentioned
Book: "The Effective Executive" by Peter Drucker The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): More HereConnect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comMLDC Membership Benefits
Access the complete emotional intelligence series and join our growing community of municipal leaders through MLDC membership. Includes exclusive access to daily content, implementation guides, and peer discussion forums.Learn More Here
-
Show Notes: From City Hall Kid to City Hall Leader
Episode 131 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Join Seth Winterhalter and Martha Bennett, City Manager of Lake Oswego, Oregon, for a unique perspective on municipal leadership through the lens of someone who literally grew up in city management. From watching her father navigate council meetings to now leading one of Oregon's most distinctive communities, Martha shares invaluable insights on effective governance, mission-driven leadership, and building sustainable cities.Key Takeaways
The power of mission-focused leadership in municipal government How to effectively manage the "30-30-30-10" time allocation for city leaders Strategies for fostering productive council dynamics and civil discourse The importance of tailoring communication to different stakeholders Why setting the table for policy discussions is more important than driving outcomes Balancing high quality of life with growing community demandsCareer Highlights Discussed
Second-generation city manager perspective Experience with unique governance structures (Metro, Columbia River Gorge Commission) Leading diverse communities from Ashland to Lake Oswego Service on ICMA Board and Oregon City/County Management Association Navigating complex regional partnerships and initiativesLeadership Insights
The critical balance between policy work and tangible results How to maintain personal boundaries in a public-facing role Strategies for translating complex municipal issues for different audiences Building trust across politically diverse communitiesResources Mentioned
ICMA Oregon City/County Management Association The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More HereConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comMLDC Launch Week
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched this week, on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 25% off an annual subscription. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today!
Join the MLDC today! --> Join Here -
Show Notes: Episode 130: Understanding Your Emotional Intelligence
The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Discover why the most successful city managers aren't necessarily those with the highest IQs or most impressive technical knowledge. Seth Winterhalter explores Daniel Goleman's groundbreaking work on Emotional Intelligence and its crucial role in municipal leadership. Through real-world examples and practical insights, learn how emotional intelligence transforms leadership effectiveness and builds stronger municipal organizations.Key Takeaways
Why emotional intelligence often determines leadership success more than technical expertise How understanding unspoken emotional dynamics transforms council relationships The connection between emotional awareness and crisis management effectiveness Practical strategies for applying emotional intelligence in high-pressure municipal environmentsCore Principles Explored
Self-Awareness: Understanding your leadership style and emotional triggers People-Awareness: Reading and responding to stakeholders' emotional needs Language-Awareness: Communicating effectively in various contexts Converting technical skills into meaningful impact through emotional intelligenceResources Mentioned
Book: "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More HereConnect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comSpecial MLDC Offer
Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) to access four additional deep-dive episodes this week on emotional intelligence in municipal leadership. Current members can access these episodes on the MLDC platform or via the app. Learn more here -> -
Show Notes: A Municipal Christmas Poem
Episode 129 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview: In this special holiday episode, we're taking a creative approach to celebrating the dedication of municipal leaders. Through a reimagining of the classic "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," we honor the tireless work of city managers and employees who serve their communities even during the holiday season.
Connect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comChristmas Special
Secure your spot HERE
Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching in January 2025 and pre-launch pricing has been extended until December 31st. Enroll now to save 50% off your annual subscription. -
Show Notes: From Reactive to Revolutionary: Covey's 7 Habits for Municipal Leaders
Episode 128 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
During this reflective week between Christmas and New Year's, explore how Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" can transform municipal leadership effectiveness. Seth Winterhalter breaks down three pivotal habits that help city managers move from reactive management to revolutionary leadership. Discover how these timeless principles can help you start 2025 with renewed focus, deeper stakeholder engagement, and sustainable excellence.Key Takeaways
How to craft a Leadership Impact Statement that transforms daily decision-making Why understanding stakeholders deeply actually saves time and resources The four dimensions of leadership renewal essential for sustainable excellence Practical frameworks for implementing these habits in a municipal contextCore Principles Explored
Begin with the End in Mind: Creating vision-driven leadership in crisis-heavy environments Seek First to Understand: Transforming stakeholder engagement through deeper understanding Sharpen the Saw: Building sustainable leadership practices that serve both leader and communityResources Mentioned
Book: "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More HereConnect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comFinal Offer
Secure your spot HERE
Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching in January 2025 and pre-launch pricing has been extended until December 31st. Enroll now to save 50% off your annual subscription. -
Show Notes: Why Performance Reviews Are Crippling Municipal Culture
Episode 127 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Join Seth Winterhalter and Sam Anselm, City Administrator of West Plains, Missouri, as they expose why traditional performance reviews are undermining municipal effectiveness and explore a revolutionary approach to employee development. Through real-world examples and practical insights, discover why stopping performance reviews might be the first step toward building a thriving municipal culture.Key Takeaways
Why tying performance feedback to pay creates a toxic dynamic How to replace annual reviews with meaningful, ongoing feedback The importance of separating compensation from coaching conversations Practical strategies for building a feedback-rich culture Why focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses transforms organizationsResources Mentioned
Book: "Abolishing Performance Appraisal" by Tom Coens and Mary Jenkins Book: "It's the Manager" by Gallup Book: "We Don't Make Widgets" by Ken Miller Book: "Extreme Government Makeover" by Ken Miller CliftonStrengths Assessment Tool The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More & Save Your SeatConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comSpecial Offer
Pre-Launch Pricing (50% OFF!!!) Executive Coaching Opportunities In-person training events Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.
Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:Pre-Launch pricing and bonuses END ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH!!!
-
Show Notes: Why Work-Life Balance Is Misleading Leaders
Episode 126 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Uncover why the traditional concept of work-life balance is leading municipal leaders astray and discover a more powerful framework for sustainable leadership. Drawing insights from the book "Off Balance" by Matthew Kelly, Seth Winterhalter shares groundbreaking insights about why satisfaction, not balance, should be your leadership goal. Learn how to move beyond the balance myth to create greater impact and fulfillment in your municipal leadership role.Key Takeaways
The deceptive assumptions about work-life balance that harm municipal leaders How to shift from time management to energy management for greater effectiveness The four types of energy every city manager must master Why measuring satisfaction instead of balance leads to better leadership outcomes Practical strategies for thriving in the natural tension of municipal leadershipResources Mentioned
Book: "Off Balance" by Matthew Kelly The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More HereConnect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comSpecial Offer
50% OFF Pricing Executive Coaching Opportunities In-person training events Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot by Friday, December 21st!
Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include: -
Show Notes: Episode 125 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Culture By Choice: Leadership Lessons from ICMA President-Elect Mike Land
Episode Overview
Journey through Mike Land's fascinating path from bread truck deliveries to municipal leadership excellence, as he shares how intentional culture-building transformed his organizations. Now serving as City Manager of Coppell, Texas and ICMA President-Elect, Mike reveals how persistence, self-awareness, and purposeful leadership development create thriving municipal cultures.Key Takeaways
The critical difference between "culture by chance" and "culture by choice" How behavioral expectations shape organizational excellence Why technical proficiency must be balanced with human competency Building sustainable leadership through continuous learning Transforming challenges into cultural growth opportunitiesTopics Discussed
The journey from Houston bread routes to municipal leadership Creating and maintaining purposeful organizational culture Leading through significant financial challenges The power of collaborative budgeting and planning Building leadership capacity through mentorship The importance of persistence in personal development The role of behavioral accountability in cultural health Upcoming initiatives as ICMA President-ElectConnect With Seth Winterhalter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comSpecial Offer
Pre-Launch Pricing (50% OFF!!!) Executive Coaching Opportunities In-person training events Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.
Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:The HaltingWinter Podcast is dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Join us every week for insights, strategies, and practical wisdom for municipal leaders.
-
Show Notes: When Service Becomes Surrender
Episode 124 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Explore the critical difference between true service and leadership surrender in municipal government. Drawing from "The Power of a Positive No" by William Ury, Seth Winterhalter reveals how city managers can maintain boundaries while strengthening relationships and increasing their leadership impact. Learn how to transform automatic surrender into strategic service through practical, proven frameworks.Key Takeaways
The three most common "service traps" that lead to leadership surrender How to use the Yes-No-Yes framework to maintain boundaries while preserving relationships Why setting boundaries actually enhances your service impact Practical scripts for transforming surrender moments into leadership opportunitiesResources Mentioned
Book: "The Power of a Positive No" by William Ury The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More HereConnect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comSpecial Offer
50% OFF Pricing Executive Coaching Opportunities In-person training events Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.
Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include: -
Show Notes: The Power of Roots: From Local Kid to Two Decades of Municipal Leadership
Episode 123 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Discover the unique journey of Bill Wagoner, Arcola's first and only City Administrator, as he shares insights from 20 years of municipal leadership in his hometown. From growing up as the water superintendent's son to leading transformative infrastructure projects, Bill's story illustrates the power of deep community roots and sustainable leadership in small-town government.Key Takeaways
How local knowledge and relationships shape effective small-town leadership The challenges and advantages of being a hometown leader Strategies for wearing multiple hats in small municipal government Building legacy through mentorship and internship programs Transforming personal challenges into community growth opportunitiesTopics Discussed
The journey from local kid to city administrator Managing work-life boundaries in a small town Creating sustainable leadership practices Building the next generation through internship programs Leading transformative infrastructure projects The unique challenges of being your city's first administratorConnect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comSpecial Offer
50% OFF Pricing Executive Coaching Opportunities In-person training events Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.
Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:The HaltingWinter Podcast is dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Join us every week for insights, strategies, and practical wisdom for municipal leaders.
-
Show Notes: The Self-Sacrifice Myth: From Survival Mode to Strategic Leadership Episode 122 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Episode Overview
Discover why the culture of self-sacrifice in municipal leadership might be undermining your effectiveness, and learn evidence-based strategies for sustainable high performance. Drawing from "Burnout" by Emily and Amelia Nagoski, Seth explores how city managers can transform their approach to leadership stress while maintaining professional excellence.Key Takeaways
Why managing the stressor isn't the same as managing the stress itself The hidden cost of constant vigilance and mental monitoring How "Human Giver Syndrome" impacts municipal leadership Practical strategies for sustainable high performance in public serviceResources Mentioned
Book: "Burnout" by Emily and Amelia Nagoski The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More HereConnect With Seth
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.comSpecial Offer Ready to transform your leadership journey? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:
50% OFF Pricing Executive Coaching Opportunities In-person training events Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.The HaltingWinter Podcast is dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Join us every week for insights, strategies, and practical wisdom for municipal leaders.
-
Breaking Down Bureaucracy: From Banking to Municipal Innovation
Episode 121 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Episode OverviewMeet Brooks Williams, the City Manager of Ferris, Texas, who is transforming the perception of public service through bold leadership and innovative management. From his unconventional path through banking to becoming the longest-serving city manager in Ferris's 150-year history, Brooks shares how he turned around a city known for dysfunction into a high-performing organization that moves faster than its private sector partners.
Key Discussion Points How banking and private sector experience shapes innovative public sector leadership Transforming a challenging municipal culture through radical transparency Creating high-performance expectations in government organizations The importance of vulnerability and honest communication in leadership Why protecting personal boundaries is crucial for sustained leadership impact Building a culture that challenges "we've always done it this way" thinking Memorable Quotes"Converting oxygen into carbon dioxide is not going to work for us here. That is not the litmus test for if you're a successful employee."
"Any conversation we have is out of a place of love... I don't believe you really care about people if you're not willing to have tough conversations."
Resources Mentioned Brook's Book: "Rising to Serve: A Re-imagining Public Administration for a New Era" Connect with Brooks on LinkedInNote: Our Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching in January 2025 and founding memberships are open for a limited time! Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC to learn more and save your seat. Early enrollment pricing and bonuses are limited!
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: Subscribe Here
Connect with Seth on LinkedIn
Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.
-
Show Notes: Breaking the "We've Always Done It This Way" Cycle
Episode 120 of The HaltingWinter PodcastEpisode Overview
Discover why "we've always done it this way" might be the most expensive sentence in municipal government, and learn practical strategies for breaking free from this limiting cycle. Drawing from "Change the Culture, Change the Game" by Roger Connors and Tom Smith, Seth explores how city managers can transform organizational culture from the inside out.Key Takeaways
- Understanding the Results Pyramid and why changing actions without changing beliefs doesn't work
- How leader beliefs shape organizational culture more than external factors
- Three elements of sustainable cultural transformation in municipal government
- Practical strategies for creating experiences that challenge limiting beliefsResources Mentioned
- Book: "Change the Culture, Change the Game" by Roger Connors and Tom Smith
- The HaltingWinter Blog: www.HaltingWinter.com/news
- Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens: Subscribe for Free
- Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More HereConnect With Seth
- LinkedIn
- Website: www.HaltingWinter.comSpecial Offer
Ready to transform your municipal culture? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is accepting founding members for its January 2025 launch. Early enrollment bonuses include:
- 50% OFF Pricing
- Executive Coaching
- In-person training events
Visit haltingwinter.com/mldc to secure your spot.---
The HaltingWinter Podcast is dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Join us every week for insights, strategies, and practical wisdom for municipal leaders. - Show more
