Navigating Two Minds in Municipal Leadership

Are you running your city—or is your autopilot doing it for you?

This Monday marks the beginning of an eye-opening journey into the unseen forces shaping your leadership decisions. Join me as the MLDC dives into Daniel Kahneman’s book, “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” unpacking his insights on how our minds actually work, translated specifically for the unique challenges of municipal leadership.

Why This Week’s Series Matters to Municipal Leaders

As city managers, you may pride yourselves on thoughtful, analytical leadership. Yet research shows that up to 95% of your decisions may be made by your unconscious mind—what I call your “hidden mayor.”

This week’s podcast series will reveal:

• Why even experienced leaders sometimes make decisions that contradict their own values
• How the timing of your meetings might be affecting the quality of your decisions
• Practical strategies to recognize and manage your brain’s automatic responses
• Ways to build organizational cultures that balance quick action with thoughtful analysis

Monday’s Episode: “Navigating Two Minds in Municipal Leadership”

In our first episode, I’ll introduce you to the two thinking systems that govern every decision you make. You’ll discover how these systems shape everything from your budget reviews to your responses in crisis situations.

I’ll share a revealing scenario that might sound uncomfortably familiar—when a trusted department head walks in with an “urgent” request and your response is automatic. This moment, which happens countless times in city halls across the country, offers a window into how our brains actually operate under pressure.

Why Listen?

This isn’t just theoretical—it’s intensely practical. By understanding these hidden patterns, you’ll gain:

• Greater awareness of when you’re operating on autopilot vs. analytical thinking
• Strategies to make better decisions, especially under pressure
• Tools to recognize when your thinking patterns are helping or hindering your leadership
• A framework for building a more intentional municipal culture

Join Our Exploration

Listen to today’s episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast at the link above or on your listening platform of choice. MLDC members will have access to the entire 5-part series, releasing daily this week and culminating in our Virtual Book Club discussion on Friday.

Not a member yet? Start your FREE 7-day trial to get all the content and experience a vibrant community of city managers and city administrators dedicated to building stronger cities by becoming stronger leaders. Start your trial today: –>

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Seth Winterhalter is President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Through executive coaching, results-based consulting, and the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), HaltingWinter helps city managers and municipal leaders transform their leadership impact and their organizational culture.