Introducing: The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - Save 50% During Launch Phase
Every week, you’ll get insights and actionable steps to help you navigate personal growth and professional success.
Hello, Impactful City Leaders!
Welcome to this week’s edition of “The Leader’s Lens!” As municipal leaders, you face dozens of conversations every day – with council members, department heads, citizens, and staff. But which of these seemingly routine interactions could be the one that transforms your effectiveness, strengthens a key relationship, or moves your city forward?
This week, we’ve explored “Crucial Conversations” by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler, discovering that our most pivotal leadership moments often aren’t the planned presentations or formal meetings – they’re the unexpected conversations where stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong.
Speaking of impact that often goes unrecognized, this week we’re highlighting Brent Buerck, City Administrator of Perryville, Missouri, who was recently named one of “50 Missourians You Should Know” by Ingram’s Magazine. When asked about this recognition, Brent’s response captured the essence of true municipal leadership: “Individual accolades are far less important than lifting our community.”
What stands out about Brent’s leadership isn’t just what he’s accomplished – it’s how he’s done it. Through consistent, thoughtful communication and a focus on long-term community impact, his team has:
As Brent notes, “If we do our job right, they shouldn’t even know.” This quiet excellence exemplifies how effective crucial conversations, day after day, build trust and drive lasting change.
Episode 114: Beyond Nice – Transforming Your Toughest Conversations
Transform how you handle your highest-stakes moments as a municipal leader. In this episode, we dive into practical strategies that help you navigate difficult conversations with confidence and purpose.
You’ll discover:
Episode 115: From Crisis to Clarity – How One City Administrator’s Health Journey Transformed His Leadership
In this powerful conversation with Charlie Bush, City Administrator of Sedro-Woolley, we explore how sustainable leadership requires both personal well-being and strategic communication skills.
You’ll discover:
Each day this week, we’ve explored different aspects of handling high-stake conversations:
Monday: Beyond Nice: Why City Managers Must Master Crucial Conversations
Discover why effective dialogue isn’t about being nice – it’s about creating real understanding and progress.
Tuesday: Triumph Through Tension: Building Trust in High-Stakes Moments
Learn how to create safety and build trust when stakes are highest.
Wednesday: From Conflict to Connection: Leading Through Heated Conversations
Transform potential conflicts into opportunities for deeper understanding and collaboration.
Thursday: Words to Action: Building Shared Purpose in Tough Times
Move beyond talk to create real change through shared purpose and mutual respect.
Friday: From Insight to Action: Making Crucial Conversations Work in Your City
Put it all together with practical implementation strategies for your daily leadership.
“As much as others may need to change, or we may want them to change, the only person we can continually inspire, prod, and shape—with any degree of success—is the person in the mirror.”
This quote from “Crucial Conversations” has been resonating deeply with me all week. As leaders, we spend much of our time inspiring others, casting vision, and driving change. But here’s a truth I’ve learned: if WE are not inspired, if WE are not growing, if WE are not setting the standard for what it means to show up day after day with passion and purpose, we’re not really inspiring anyone.
To inspire others, we must first fill our own inspiration tank. This isn’t selfish – it’s essential. It’s why I’m so passionate about creating spaces and opportunities for municipal leaders to refuel, refresh, and reconnect with their purpose.
Reading about Brent Buerck’s quiet excellence in Perryville and hearing Charlie Bush’s journey to sustainable leadership, you might be thinking: “How do I build that kind of lasting impact in my community?” I believe city managers and municipal leaders across the country desire to not just survive in their role, but to thrive and create meaningful change.
That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching in January 2025. Imagine starting each day with focused insights like those we’ve explored this week from “Crucial Conversations,” delivered directly to you in bite-sized, actionable formats that fit your busy schedule. But here’s what makes the MLDC truly transformative – you won’t be growing alone.
You’ll be part of an exclusive community of forward-thinking municipal leaders, all committed to filling their own inspiration tanks so they can better serve their communities. You’ll share your crucial conversation challenges, learn how others have navigated similar situations, and build relationships with peers who truly understand your journey. Through opportunities for weekly virtual meetups and dedicated discussion forums, you’ll find more than just professional networking – you’ll discover allies in the pursuit of municipal excellence.
As a valued subscriber to The Leader’s Lens, you have first access to secure your spot in this groundbreaking program. With highly limited the high-touch bonus features, including personalized executive coaching sessions and on-site workshops, making this early access your opportunity to lock in these premium benefits before they’re gone.
Take the first step:
• Secure your spot: MLDC INTEREST FORM
• Explore the program: HaltingWinter.com/MLDC
Next week, we’re diving into “The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle. Building on our insights about crucial conversations, we’ll explore how great cultures are built through small, intentional interactions and leadership choices.
You’ll discover:
Stay tuned for insights that will help you transform your organizational culture through intentional leadership!
P.S. What’s one crucial conversation you’re preparing for? Share your thoughts on my LinkedIn page!
Seth Winterhalter is President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions and creator of the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. Through executive coaching, results-based consulting, and the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), he helps city managers transform high-stakes moments into breakthrough opportunities for their organizations and communities.
