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“If you stop performance reviews, even if you don’t have a plan to replace them, your organization will improve by probably 20-30% immediately.”

This bold statement from Sam Anselm, City Administrator of West Plains, Missouri, sets the tone for one of our most provocative and practical episodes yet. In Episode 127 of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Sam joins us to challenge everything you thought you knew about municipal performance reviews.

Drawing from his extensive experience across multiple cities, including his current role in West Plains, Sam reveals why traditional performance reviews aren’t just ineffective—they’re actively damaging municipal culture. More importantly, he shares the practical alternatives that have transformed his organization.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Why tying performance feedback to pay creates a toxic dynamic
  • How to replace annual reviews with meaningful, ongoing feedback
  • Practical strategies for building a feedback-rich culture
  • The power of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses
  • Real-world examples of successful alternatives to traditional reviews

Sam also shares insights from his journey from purchasing specialist to city administrator, including lessons learned from managing through an F5 tornado in Joplin and transforming municipal cultures across Missouri.

This episode is particularly valuable for:

  • City Managers wrestling with performance review processes
  • HR Directors looking for better feedback systems
  • Department Heads seeking to improve team development
  • Municipal Leaders wanting to build stronger cultures

Listen to Episode 127 now on:

Transform Your Municipal Culture in 2025
Ready to revolutionize your approach to leadership and culture? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching in January 2025, offers city managers a comprehensive framework for building thriving municipal cultures. Through our program, you’ll join a community of municipal leaders focused on implementing proven strategies for sustainable leadership and organizational excellence. You’ll gain access to practical tools for cultural transformation, along with expert guidance on moving beyond outdated practices to create genuine impact.

Pre-launch pricing and bonuses end on Friday, December 20th!
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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 organizational culture and leadership effectiveness.