Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 385 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Sponsored by Tyler Technologies
One of the hardest transitions in local government leadership happens when the skills that earned you the promotion are no longer the skills you need most.
In Episode 385 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Kevin Mizikar, Town Manager of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, to talk about the shift from doing the work to leading the organization.
Kevin’s career has taken him through federal government, economic development, and municipal management. Along the way, he learned that leadership becomes less about having the answer and more about creating the conditions for other people to succeed.
One of the most practical examples is strategic planning. In Shrewsbury, community priorities connect to the town’s strategic plan, department goals, and ultimately individual employee goals. The goal is simple: every employee should understand how their work contributes to what the organization is trying to accomplish.
Kevin and Seth also explore the challenge of promoting talented technical employees into leadership roles. Being great at the work doesn’t automatically make someone great at leading people. That transition requires intentional development, coaching, and opportunities to practice leadership.
And that development shouldn’t stop when you reach the top.
When asked what he would tell a local government leader who says they’re too busy for professional development, Kevin’s response is simple:
“They don’t have the time not to do it.”
The greater your responsibility becomes, the more important it is to keep learning, building relationships, and surrounding yourself with people who will help you grow.
Episode 385: Kevin Mizikar: Are You Still Doing Instead of Leading? explores strategic planning, leadership development, professional growth, and what it takes to move from being the person who does the work to the leader who helps an entire organization succeed.
This episode is sponsored by Tyler Technologies, the leader in empowering the public sector with software solutions that connect data, streamline operations, and improve service delivery. From AI to budgeting solutions, Tyler helps local governments build stronger, more resilient communities. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter →
The MLDC is where local government leaders go to grow, together. It’s the fastest-growing leadership development community designed specifically for the public sector, now paired with a comprehensive 9-month Leadership & Culture Program for those ready to elevate their leadership and their organization. Learn more at haltingwinter.com/mldc →
The HaltingWinter Podcast shines a spotlight on the people behind our cities and counties. Through candid conversations with local government leaders from across the nation, host Seth Winterhalter explores the journeys, challenges, and ideas shaping stronger communities while inspiring the next generation of public servants.
