Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 326 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
Most people assume leadership comes with the title. You step into the role, make decisions, set direction and people follow.
But in local government, it doesn’t work like that.
You can have the position and still have to earn every ounce of trust that comes with it.
That’s what Chase Bruton stepped into when he became a town manager in his early 30s. New to the community, responsible for everything, and quickly realizing that authority doesn’t translate to credibility—especially in a time when conversations are more tense, more public, and often less civil.
What makes his approach different is where he learned how to lead. Not in a classroom, but on the mat.
Through years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Chase learned that force doesn’t win. Positioning does. Patience does. Staying composed when everything around you feels chaotic—that’s what creates leverage.
Those same principles now shape how he leads.
Instead of trying to control every conversation, he shows up. At community events. In local businesses. On job sites. Not to manage perception, but to build real connection. Because in his world, trust isn’t built through policy; it’s built through proximity.
That doesn’t remove the pressure. There are still difficult conversations, high-stakes decisions, and moments where there is no playbook. But instead of reacting with force, he stays grounded. He listens. He responds with intention.
And over time, something shifts.
People don’t just see the role. They begin to trust the person.
This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about demanding respect. It’s about earning it—consistently, visibly, and often in the moments no one else sees.
Listen to Episode 326 with Chase Bruton: Earning Respect, Not Demanding It
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 celebrates and elevates the people who power local government. Through in-depth conversations with leaders from cities, counties, and communities of all sizes, host Seth Winterhalter explores the journeys, challenges, and innovations happening in municipal leadership across America.
