Unlock the Power of Feedback: Episode 112 The Feedback Factor

Are you ready to transform the way your city operates, innovates, and serves its citizens? The secret might be simpler than you think: it’s all about mastering the art of constructive conversations through skillful feedback.

In our latest HaltingWinter podcast episode, “Constructive Conversations: Building Stronger Cities Through Skillful Feedback,” we dive deep into how city managers and municipal leaders can harness the power of feedback to create more responsive, efficient, and collaborative local governments.

Why This Matters for Your City

Imagine a city hall where:

• Citizens feel truly heard and valued
• Staff at all levels are empowered to share ideas and concerns
• Innovation thrives because everyone is open to learning and improving
• Conflicts are addressed constructively, leading to better solutions
• Your leadership team is aligned and working cohesively towards shared goals

This isn’t just a pipe dream. It’s the reality that skillful feedback can create in your municipality.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, we unpack key insights from the book “Thanks for the Feedback” by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen, tailored specifically for municipal leadership. You’ll discover:

1. The Feedback Trio: Understanding the three types of feedback – appreciation, coaching, and evaluation – and how to use each effectively in your role.
2. Emotional Intelligence in Action: Learn to navigate the emotional triggers that can derail feedback conversations, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for growth.
3. The Art of Receiving Feedback: Master the skills of a great feedback receiver, extracting value from every interaction to drive continuous improvement in your leadership and your city.
4. Creating a Feedback-Rich Culture: Practical strategies to foster an environment where constructive conversations flow freely at all levels of your organization and community.

From Insight to Action

But we don’t stop at theory. This episode is packed with practical, actionable strategies you can start implementing immediately. You’ll walk away with:

• A framework for giving and receiving feedback effectively
• Techniques for managing emotional reactions to tough feedback
• Ideas for creating multiple feedback channels in your municipality
• Strategies for turning citizen complaints into opportunities for service improvement
• Tips for fostering a culture of open communication and continuous learning

Your Next Step

Ready to start building a stronger city through the power of constructive conversations?

1. Listen to the full episode (link above or search on your platform: The HaltingWinter Podcast)
2. Share this episode with your leadership team to get everyone on the same page
3. Try implementing one new feedback strategy this week and see the difference it makes

Remember, great cities are built on great conversations. By mastering the art of skillful feedback, you’re not just improving your leadership – you’re laying the foundation for a more engaged, innovative, and responsive community.

Don’t miss out on this insightful and instructive episode. Tune in now and start your journey towards more constructive conversations and a stronger city!

Have thoughts or experiences to share about feedback in municipal leadership? We’d love to hear from you in the comments on my LinkedIn page.

---

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 leadership impact and their organizational culture.