Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 391 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Sponsored by Tyler Technologies
The qualities that help us survive, succeed, and advance in our careers aren’t always the same qualities we need for the next stage of leadership.
For Makenzie Lyons, City Administrator of Winnsboro, Texas, resilience, independence, decisiveness, and control were strengths. They helped shape who she became. But as her leadership responsibilities grew, Makenzie began to recognize that some of those same strengths were getting in the way of relationships, collaboration, and her ability to lead others effectively.
A pivotal conversation with her mayor brought the issue into focus: “You might be the problem.”
In Episode 389 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Makenzie shares what happened when she stopped focusing exclusively on what everyone around her needed to change and began examining her own contribution to the problem.
It’s a conversation about self-awareness, learning to lead in the gray, changing your response when you can’t change the circumstances, and recognizing when your leadership needs a reboot.
Makenzie will continue this conversation at the ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach during her Skill-Building Workshop on Tuesday, October 20: “Control + ALT + Delete: Leadership Reboot.”
Listen below or watch Episode 389 on YouTube: When Your Strengths Become Your Weaknesses
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 →
Leadership shouldn’t be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your seat. Mastermind applications are open through October 31st. 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.
