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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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Hello, Impactful City Leaders!

Welcome to this week’s edition of “The Leader’s Lens!” This week at HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, we explored the transformative power of emotional intelligence in municipal leadership through Daniel Goleman’s groundbreaking book. The insights couldn’t be more timely as city leaders navigate increasingly complex stakeholder dynamics and organizational challenges.

FROM THE FIELD: MUNICIPAL LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

Leadership Transitions: The Ripple Effects of Change

In Stockton, CA, a compelling story of leadership transition unfolds as City Manager Harry Black resigns just months after receiving a contract renewal and raise. The situation highlights how political dynamics and stakeholder relationships can dramatically impact municipal leadership. [Read more →]

Reimagining Municipal Leadership Roles

Sturgis, SD takes an innovative approach by transitioning from a city manager to city administrator model, with Aaron Jordan stepping into the newly created role. His focus on strengthening foundational services and investing in people offers insights into different approaches to municipal leadership. [Read more →]

The Legacy of Long-Term Leadership

After 23 years of service, Pottsville’s City Administrator Tom Palamar announces his transition to the nonprofit sector. His story reminds us how deep institutional knowledge shapes municipal effectiveness and the importance of thoughtful succession planning. [Read more →]

Building Success Through Vision and Balance

In Whittier, CA Brian Saeki demonstrates how effective municipal leadership can transform communities, as he moves to a new role in Vernon. His track record of balancing crisis management, economic development, and community initiatives offers valuable lessons for all city leaders. [Read more →]

NEW ON THE PODCAST

Episode 130: Understanding Your Emotional Intelligence

In this week’s featured episode, discover why the most successful city managers aren’t necessarily those with the highest IQs or most impressive technical knowledge. Through real-world examples and practical insights, learn how emotional intelligence transforms leadership effectiveness and builds stronger municipal organizations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why emotional intelligence often determines leadership success more than technical expertise
  • How understanding unspoken emotional dynamics transforms council relationships
  • The connection between emotional awareness and crisis management effectiveness
  • Practical strategies for applying emotional intelligence in high-pressure municipal environments

Listen to Episode 130

Episode 131: From City Hall Kid to City Hall Leader

Listen to a fascinating conversation with Martha Bennett, City Manager of Lake Oswego, Oregon, for a unique perspective on municipal leadership through the lens of someone who literally grew up in city management. From watching her father navigate council meetings to now leading one of Oregon’s most distinctive communities, Martha shares invaluable insights on effective governance and mission-driven leadership.

Episode Highlights:

  • The power of mission-focused leadership in municipal government
  • How to effectively manage the “30-30-30-10” time allocation for city leaders
  • Strategies for fostering productive council dynamics and civil discourse
  • Building trust across politically diverse communities

Listen to Episode 131

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED CONTENT

This week’s exploration of emotional intelligence revealed crucial insights for municipal leaders. In our public Monday blog post, “The Municipal Leader’s Guide to Emotional Intelligence: Why Your EQ Matters More Than Your IQ”, we examined why emotional intelligence might be the most crucial skill you’re not actively developing.

What MLDC Members Explored:
Our Municipal Leadership Development Circle dove into deeper transformative insights including:

  • The Self-Aware City Manager: Understanding your emotional patterns to transform decision-making and strengthen relationships
  • Reading Between the Lines: Advanced techniques for detecting and responding to organizational emotional undercurrents
  • The Art of Emotional Regulation: Strategic frameworks for maintaining leadership effectiveness in high-pressure situations
  • Implementation Guide: Detailed action plans for putting emotional intelligence to work in your daily leadership

Plus, MLDC members participated in our Virtual Book Club discussion, sharing real-world experiences and solutions with fellow municipal leaders.

Ready to Take Your Leadership to the Next Level?

Join the Municipal Leadership Development Circle today and get:

  • Complete access to this week’s deep-dive emotional intelligence content
  • Practical implementation tools and frameworks
  • Connection with forward-thinking municipal leaders
  • Weekly virtual discussions on crucial leadership topics

Exclusive Newsletter Subscriber Offer: Use code “newsletter” for 20% off your annual Gold Tier subscription.

Join MLDC Today →

LOOKING AHEAD

Next week, we’re diving into Peter Drucker’s “The Effective Executive” to explore how municipal leaders can maximize their impact through disciplined practices and strategic decision-making. Subscribe to the HaltingWinter Podcast for Monday’s free episode, and join the MLDC to access deeper insights including:

  • The five practices of effective municipal executives
  • Time management strategies for high-impact leadership
  • Decision-making frameworks for complex municipal challenges
  • Building a culture of effectiveness in your organization

Stay tuned for insights that will help you translate Drucker’s timeless wisdom into municipal leadership excellence!

P.S. How has emotional intelligence impacted your leadership journey? Share your thoughts on my LinkedIn page!


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 organizational culture.