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.
Impactful City Leaders,
Welcome to this week’s edition of “The Leader’s Lens!” What makes some city halls feel electric with possibility while others seem stuck in bureaucratic quicksand? This week, we’ve explored Daniel Coyle’s “The Culture Code,” discovering how invisible patterns shape organizational excellence – and what it means for municipal leadership.
Town Administrator Todd Selig (Durham, New Hampshire) has been named the Municipal Management Association of New Hampshire’s 2024 Member of the Year for outstanding service and commitment to excellence in local government. The surprise announcement came during the NH Municipal Association annual conference, recognizing Selig’s proactive leadership in advocating for municipalities, mentoring fellow managers, and maintaining one of the longest continuous service records in the state.
MMANH President Rick Sawyer highlighted Selig’s dedication to educating and rallying peers, particularly in response to challenging legislation. “This person has always led by example,” noted Sawyer, “and this year they took it to another level.”
Selig’s humble response captures the essence of servant leadership: “It takes a team to get good work done. I just try to do my part, support others, and work to benefit the citizens of Durham and New Hampshire where and when I can.” Read the article here.
Episode 116: The DNA of High-Performing Cities: Cracking The Culture Code
Discover the invisible patterns that separate thriving city halls from those stuck in bureaucratic quicksand. We dive deep into how psychological safety, strategic vulnerability, and shared purpose transform municipal organizations.
Key takeaways:
Episode 117: Drive It Like You Stole It: Bold Leadership Lessons from Tulare’s Turnaround
In this insightful conversation with Tulare City Manager Marc Mondell, discover what happens when bold leadership meets strategic vision. From securing $550 million in transportation improvements to innovative approaches to homelessness, learn how one leader is erasing 30 years of stagnation through decisive action.
Key insights:
Each day, we’ve explored different aspects of building high-performing municipal cultures, drawing key insights from Daniel Coyle’s “The Culture Code,”:
Monday: The Hidden Code of Municipal Excellence
Uncovering the invisible patterns that drive organizational success
Tuesday: Building Safety: The Foundation of Municipal Innovation
Creating environments where innovation and excellence flourish
Wednesday: Vulnerability in Leadership: A City Manager’s Strategic Advantage
Using strategic openness to build trust and drive results
Thursday: Purpose-Driven Cities: Creating a Shared Mission
Moving beyond mission statements to true mission alignment
Friday: From Insight to Action: Your 30-Day Culture Transformation Plan
Practical steps to begin transforming your municipal culture
This week’s exploration of organizational culture has me thinking about the profound impact of small moments. As Marc Mondell shared in our interview, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” Some of the most powerful elements of culture – trust, safety, purpose – aren’t easily quantifiable. They’re built through countless daily interactions, choices, and conversations.
It reminds me that as leaders, we’re not just managing departments or projects – we’re cultivating environments where people can do their best work. Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen or weaken the culture we’re trying to build. It might be more challenging to measure than a P&L report but that data is there. It’s revealed in how employees feel when they show up for work and how citizens feel when they step through the doors of your city hall.
Speaking of culture building, what if you could start each day with focused insights on creating the kind of organizational DNA that drives excellence? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching in January 2025, offers exactly that opportunity.
But here’s what makes the MLDC truly unique – you won’t just learn about organizational culture, you’ll experience it. Join a community of forward-thinking municipal leaders all committed to transforming their cities through intentional leadership. Share challenges, celebrate victories, and build relationships with peers who understand your journey.
This week’s exploration of “The Culture Code” is just a taste of the kind of practical, actionable insights you’ll receive daily as an MLDC member. With limited spots available for our high-touch founding member benefits, including personalized coaching and culture assessments, now is the time to secure your place.
Take the first step:
Next week, we’re diving into “Collaborative Intelligence” by Dawna Markova and Angie McArthur. Building on our insights about organizational culture, we’ll explore how different thinking patterns and communication styles can be leveraged for better teamwork and innovation.
You’ll discover:
Stay tuned for insights that will help you harness the full potential of your team’s collective intelligence!
P.S. What’s one cultural pattern you’ve noticed in your organization this week? Share your thoughts on my LinkedIn page!
Seth Winterhalter is President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions and creator of the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. Through executive coaching, results-based consulting, and the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), he helps city managers transform high-stakes moments into breakthrough opportunities for their organizations and communities.
