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In our latest episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Amanda Mack, City Administrator of Harrisburg, South Dakota, for a captivating conversation about municipal leadership, relationship building, and finding your authentic leadership style. Amanda brings a refreshing perspective to city management through her non-traditional path, political background, and commitment to authentic leadership.
Unlike many in municipal leadership who follow a traditional public administration track, Amanda’s journey began in political organizing. Working on campaigns and advocacy for rural issues, she developed exceptional skills in relationship building and understanding what motivates people – skills that have proven invaluable in her city management career.
“I rarely had staff. It was all volunteers,” Amanda shares. “In order to get volunteers to keep showing up to do the work that sometimes is really nitty-gritty and not terribly glamorous, it’s about finding that self-interest. What is motivating you to keep showing up?”
This same approach has allowed her to build strong relationships with elected officials, staff members, and even community members who might occasionally be “thorns” in her side.
Seth often describes city management as managing a “three-headed snake” – balancing the needs of elected officials, department heads, and community members. Amanda’s insights on this challenge are both practical and profound.
For elected officials, Amanda emphasizes the importance of accessibility and various communication strategies:
She also addresses how national political discourse affects local governance, even in small communities: “The biggest thing I’ve seen is the public discourse that’s happening in small communities… it’s awful. It’s causing elected officials to be paralyzed. They are not making decisions for fear of retribution, for fear of fallout.”
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of Amanda’s leadership approach is her authenticity – symbolized by her now-famous shoe collection that has become a conversation starter on LinkedIn.
“The shoe thing… I’ve always loved shoes. I think I’ve maybe been born wearing high heels,” Amanda laughs. “I found it to be the most natural uninhibited connector with people… it’s just a way to break the ice.”
This small personal touch highlights a larger truth about leadership – authenticity creates connection. In a world where municipal leaders often feel pressure to maintain a polished, formal persona, Amanda’s willingness to share her personality creates opportunities for genuine relationship building.
“We as practitioners, as professionals also are responsible for telling the story of what it is that we do,” Amanda emphasizes. “If you feel called to serve, there’s no better place to serve than local government. You are on the front lines.”
Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Amanda Mack on finding your authentic leadership style, navigating political challenges, and making a meaningful difference in your community.
Ready to take your municipal leadership to the next level? Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) where we dive deeper into these crucial topics with city managers from across the nation.
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Seth Winterhalter is President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Through executive coaching, results-based consulting, and the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), HaltingWinter helps city managers and municipal leaders transform their leadership impact and their organizational culture.
