Introducing: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - Save 50% During Launch Phase

The Leader’s Lens

Every week, you’ll get insights and actionable steps to help you navigate personal growth and professional success.

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“It’s just part of the job.”

How many times have you heard this phrase – or said it yourself – when discussing the endless demands of municipal leadership? The late-night calls, the constant vigilance, the personal sacrifices… we’ve accepted these as inevitable costs of serving our communities.

But what if this deeply held belief isn’t just wrong – what if it’s actively undermining your ability to lead effectively?

The Hidden Cost of “Dedication”

In this week’s episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we’re challenging one of the most pervasive myths in municipal leadership: the belief that self-sacrifice equals dedication. Drawing from Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s groundbreaking research on burnout, we explore why:

  • The traits that make you a “good” public servant can trap you in chronic stress
  • Traditional approaches to stress management often fail city managers
  • The path to higher performance isn’t through more sacrifice

From Survival to Strategy

This episode reveals why making the shift from survival mode to strategic leadership isn’t just about personal well-being – it’s about:

  • Making better decisions for your community
  • Building more resilient organizations
  • Creating sustainable excellence in public service
  • Developing stronger leadership teams

What You’ll Discover

In this transformative episode, you’ll learn:

  1. Why managing crises well doesn’t automatically mean you’re managing stress well
  2. How to maintain high professional standards without sacrificing personal sustainability
  3. Practical strategies for moving from constant vigilance to strategic awareness
  4. The science behind sustainable high performance in municipal leadership

Your Next Step

Ready to transform your approach to municipal leadership? Tune in to Episode 122: “The Self-Sacrifice Myth: From Survival Mode to Strategic Leadership” wherever you get your podcasts or listen below.

Then, join us all week on the blog as we dive deeper into specific strategies for sustainable municipal leadership. Each day, we’ll explore practical applications of these insights, helping you create lasting change in your leadership approach.

Share Your Experience

Have you felt the pressure to sacrifice everything for your role? How has it affected your leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments on my LinkedIn page.

Transform Your Leadership Journey in 2025

The path to stronger cities begins with stronger, more sustainable leadership. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching January 2025, offers a comprehensive approach to personal and professional growth designed specifically for city managers.

Through daily insights, peer community, and expert guidance, you’ll develop:

  • Evidence-based strategies for sustainable leadership
  • Systems for maintaining peak performance
  • A supportive community of growth-minded leaders

Join a community of municipal leaders committed to personal excellence and organizational impact.

Learn More & Save Your Spot

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.