This week, we’ve explored how the insights from “Change the Culture, Change the Game” can transform municipal organizations. We’ve examined the Results Pyramid, discussed the power of leadership beliefs, and explored strategies for sustainable change. Now it’s time to move from understanding to action.
Key Insights That Demand Action
1. Beliefs Drive Results
Your organization’s results directly reflect its cultural beliefs
Surface-level changes won’t stick without addressing underlying beliefs
Creating new experiences is key to transforming limiting beliefs
Quick fixes and policy changes alone can’t create lasting transformation
2. Leadership Shapes Culture
Your beliefs and behaviors as a leader set the tone
Cultural transformation requires aligned leadership at all levels
Consistent modeling matters more than occasional initiatives
Every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce desired beliefs
3. Sustainability Requires Systems
Lasting change needs institutional support
Cultural transformation must weather political transitions
Building change into organizational DNA ensures continuity
Small, consistent actions matter more than grand initiatives
Why Action Matters Now
The cost of inaction in municipal culture is real and growing:
Talented employees leave for more dynamic environments
Innovation stagnates under the weight of “we’ve always done it this way”
Community services suffer from disconnected departments
Political transitions repeatedly reset progress
Morale deteriorates as cynicism grows
Public trust erodes when culture impacts service delivery
Each day without action reinforces existing limiting beliefs and makes transformation more challenging. The good news? Small steps, taken consistently, can create powerful momentum for change.
Getting Started: Your First Steps
1. Choose Your Focus
Identify one limiting belief in your organization (e.g., “innovation is too risky here”)
Define what belief you want to create instead (e.g., “thoughtful innovation drives public value”)
Consider where this change would have the most visible impact
Start small but think systemically
2. Create New Experiences
Design one experience that challenges the limiting belief
Look for quick wins that demonstrate change is possible
Celebrate and share success stories, no matter how small
Make the new belief visible through consistent actions
3. Build Support
Identify potential culture champions in your organization
Share your vision for change with key stakeholders
Create safe spaces for honest dialogue about culture
Connect cultural change to community impact
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Trying to Change Everything at Once
Focus on one meaningful shift
Build momentum before expanding
Let success in one area inspire others
2. Relying on Formal Authority Alone
Build voluntary support
Create ownership at all levels
Lead through influence, not just position
3. Forgetting to Connect to Purpose
Link cultural change to community impact
Make the “why” clear and compelling
Keep public service at the center
Your Next Steps
Take these actions this week to begin your cultural transformation journey:
Listen for limiting beliefs in your next three meetings
Identify one belief you want to transform
Design one small experience that could help shift that belief
Find one potential culture champion in your organization
Share your observations and plans on my LinkedIn page – your insights could help other municipal leaders start their own transformation journey.
Transform Your Municipal Culture in 2025
Moving from insight to impact in cultural transformation requires more than individual effort – it demands proven frameworks, expert guidance, and a community of practice. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching January 2025, provides city managers with practical tools for cultural transformation and a supportive peer community for the journey.
Through our program, you’ll gain access to concrete culture-building tools, regular expert guidance, and a network of municipal leaders all working to create positive cultural change in their organizations. Join a community dedicated to turning cultural insights into lasting municipal impact.
Seth Winterhalter is President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Through executive coaching, consulting, and the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), HaltingWinter helps city managers and municipal leaders transform their leadership impact and their organizational culture.
