Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
Every week, you’ll get insights and actionable steps to help you navigate personal growth and professional success.
Episode 395 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Sponsored by Tyler Technologies
There are plenty of legitimate reasons to say no in local government. The policy doesn’t allow it. The budget isn’t there. Another department owns it. The request doesn’t meet the requirements.
But during my conversation with Jennifer Miller, Deputy County Executive for Fairfax County, Virginia, she said something that stuck with me:
“It’s so much easier to say ‘No.’ But that is such a lazy answer.”
Because every time a leader says no, they’re communicating more than an answer. They’re teaching their people whether it’s worth bringing the next idea forward.
Jennifer has spent her career leading inside incredibly complex organizations from two decades as a civilian leader with the Department of the Air Force and 24 years in the U.S. Army Reserve to now helping lead one of the largest local governments in the country.
And she’s learned that solving complex problems requires more than good processes.
It requires breaking down silos. It requires leaders willing to move from “No, because…” to “Yes, if…” And it requires creating a culture where people know they won’t get crushed the first time they take a risk and try something new.
This conversation is packed with leadership insights for anyone trying to build a local government organization that collaborates, innovates, and actually solves problems.
Listen to or watch Episode 395 of The HaltingWinter Podcast: “No” Is the Lazy Answer
Jennifer will also be presenting “Mission Driven Leadership: Veterans Building Trust and Integrity in Local Government” on Sunday, October 18th.
She’ll explore how military experience translates into local government leadership and how local governments can do a better job recognizing the extraordinary leadership experience veterans can bring to our communities.
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.
