Introducing: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - Save 50% During Launch Phase
Every week, you’ll get insights and actionable steps to help you navigate personal growth and professional success.
Hello, Impactful City Leaders!
Welcome to this week’s edition of “The Leader’s Lens!” In our journey to build stronger cities through stronger leaders, one truth stands out: the words we choose shape the cities we build. This week, we’ve explored Frank Luntz’s “Words That Work” and discovered how mastering the art of communication can transform your leadership impact and community engagement.
Imagine leading your city with words that not only inform but inspire, messages that don’t just communicate but connect, and language that transforms resistance into support. That’s the power of understanding it’s not just what you say, but what people hear that matters.
Episode 110: Unlock the Power of Words
In this quick-hit episode, we dive into why the right words at the right time can make all the difference in municipal leadership. You’ll discover:
Episode 111: Jerry Gabrielatos: Door-to-Door Governance
Journey with us to Beloit, Wisconsin, where City Manager Jerry Gabrielatos is revolutionizing community engagement through his innovative “Satellite City Hall” initiative. In this inspiring conversation, discover how bringing city hall to barbershops and grocery stores is transforming citizen engagement and building trust. Jerry shares candid insights about:
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Each day this week, we’ve explored how mastering communication can transform your effectiveness as a municipal leader. Catch up on these powerful insights:
Highlight of the Week:
“The key to successful communication is to take the imaginative leap of stuffing yourself into your listener’s shoes to know what they are thinking and feeling.”
This quote captures the essence of impactful municipal leadership – it’s not just about delivering information, but about truly connecting with your community…or as I say:
“Facts inform, but empathy connects.”
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment on the posts or share your experiences with effective communication on our LinkedIn page.
As I reflect on the power of words in municipal leadership, I’m reminded of a profound truth: the most impactful changes often start with the simplest shifts in how we communicate. Throughout my work with leaders across the country, I’ve witnessed how a subtle change in language can transform a controversial initiative into a celebrated success, or how meeting people where they are – both physically and in our choice of words – can bridge seemingly insurmountable divides.
This week’s conversation with Jerry Gabrielatos particularly resonated with me. His Satellite City Hall initiative is more than just an innovative program – it’s a powerful reminder that effective communication isn’t just about the words we choose, but about creating spaces where real dialogue can happen. Whether it’s in a barbershop, a grocery store, or a city council chamber, our ability to connect through words shapes the very fabric of our communities.
When we combine the right words with authentic presence, we don’t just manage cities – we transform them. And isn’t that why we’re all here?
Are you finding yourself caught in the whirlwind of daily municipal operations, struggling to find time for your own leadership development? You’re not alone. We hear this challenge from city managers across the country – the constant tension between managing today’s crises and developing tomorrow’s capabilities.
That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching in 2025. Imagine starting each day with concentrated wisdom from the most impactful leadership books, delivered in bite-sized, actionable formats that fit your busy schedule. Whether it’s a 3-5 minute read during your morning coffee or a 10-minute podcast on your commute, the MLDC transforms your daily routine into a powerful leadership development opportunity.
But here’s where you come in. As we put the finishing touches on this transformative program, we want your input. Your experiences, challenges, and aspirations can help shape the MLDC into an even more powerful resource for municipal leaders.
Take the first step:
Explore the program: HaltingWinter.com/MLDC
Share your thoughts: Interest Form Link
Let’s build stronger cities by developing stronger leaders – together.
Next week, we’re diving into “Thanks for the Feedback” by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen. In a role where feedback comes from every direction – council members, department heads, community members, and staff – mastering the art of receiving feedback is crucial for your leadership effectiveness.
You’ll discover:
Stay tuned for insights that will help you turn feedback – both positive and negative – into a powerful catalyst for your leadership development!
Seth Winterhalter
President | HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions
Host | The HaltingWinter Podcast
P.S. What’s one communication insight from this week that you plan to implement in your next meeting or presentation? Share your thoughts on my LinkedIn page!
