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

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A city manager recently told me: “I’m doing everything the books tell me to do. I’ve time-blocked my calendar. I’ve set boundaries. I’ve delegated. So why do I feel like I’m failing?”

This haunting question echoes through city halls across America. As municipal leaders chase the ever-elusive ideal of “work-life balance,” they’re finding themselves more frustrated, more exhausted, and more disillusioned than ever.

But what if we’ve all been misled?

In this week’s episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we dive deep into Matthew Kelly’s eye-opening book “Off Balance” and uncover why the traditional concept of work-life balance is leading municipal leaders astray – and more importantly, what we should be pursuing instead.

You’ll discover:

  • Why the very question “Is this balanced?” might be sabotaging your leadership
  • The four types of energy you need to master (and why they matter more than time management)
  • How to move from balance to satisfaction as your measure of success
  • Practical strategies for thriving in the natural tension of municipal leadership

I also share my personal journey of believing in the balance myth as a pastor, and how my own burnout led to a revolutionary shift in how I approach leadership – insights that now shape my work with city managers across the country.

This episode is particularly crucial for:

  • City Managers feeling stretched thin by competing demands
  • Municipal Leaders struggling with the “always-on” nature of their role
  • Department Heads trying to balance team needs with organizational goals
  • Anyone in public service questioning the traditional wisdom about work-life balance

Transform Your Leadership Journey in 2025

Ready to move beyond the balance myth? The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching January 2025, offers city managers a comprehensive framework for sustainable leadership. Through our program, you’ll join a community of municipal leaders focused on what really matters – not perfect balance, but meaningful impact and genuine satisfaction. You’ll gain access to proven tools for sustainable leadership, along with expert guidance on thriving in the tension of municipal demands.

Learn More & Save Your Seat

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 understanding of sustainable leadership and authentic success.