Municipal Leaders: Develop Faster, Lead Stronger, Build Better
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Episode 325 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Brought to you by Tyler Technologies
Most leadership problems in local government don’t start at the top. They start the moment someone gets promoted.
A great operator. A highly skilled technician. Someone who knows how to get the work done.
And then one day…they’re responsible for people.
In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Matthew von der Hayden, Township Administrator of Stafford, New Jersey, shares what he’s seen firsthand: the real challenge isn’t just building a pipeline of leaders; it’s what happens after they step into the role.
Matthew’s journey into local government wasn’t traditional. He started as a chemist, working in labs and utilities, focused on systems, data, and process. But as he moved into project management and eventually into executive leadership, the work changed. The problems became more complex. The decisions carried more weight. And the skillset required to lead looked nothing like the one that got him there.
That’s where many organizations get stuck.
We promote based on competence. But we rarely prepare for leadership.
In this conversation, Matthew breaks down what it actually takes to lead in local government:
He also shares how he stepped into a struggling organization and began rebuilding culture from the ground up, starting with something simple, but often overlooked: communication.
Not a new initiative. Not a slogan. Just consistent, clear, and honest communication that created trust over time.
This episode is a reminder of something most leaders already feel: The job isn’t just harder than expected. It’s different than expected.
And if we’re serious about strengthening local government, we can’t just focus on getting people into leadership. We have to prepare them for what they’ll face once they’re there.
Listen to Episode 325: Matthew von der Hayden: The Leadership Gap No One Is Fixing
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 built for local government leaders who were promoted for their skill but never fully prepared and trained to lead people. It’s where leadership development becomes part of your daily work, woven into your normal rhythms and habits.
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.
