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!
This week, I’ve smiled broader than the Cheshire cat while seeing so many posts from city managers and administrators sharing their community’s holiday celebrations. From Christmas tree lightings to community parades, these events showcase more than just seasonal spirit – they demonstrate the unique magic that happens when municipal leaders and their teams pour their talents into creating memorable moments for their communities. The joy on employees’ faces as they serve their neighbors reminds us why we chose public service in the first place.
I spoke with a city manager last week who has been going through an incredibly challenging time in their municipality. From internal staff conflict, new hires who are already jockeying for position and control, and a frustrated city council that says one thing and then acts in the opposite direction, it’s no wonder he feels frustrated and overwhelmed.
Through reflection and conversations, he came to the decision to resign and step away. I was proud of him for two big reasons. First, he acknowledged that one person alone wasn’t going to save that situation or turn that culture around. It’s so tempting for high-level leaders to put on our “savior” glasses and see chaotic situations and times to shine. Real wisdom is knowing the difference between an opportunity and a cesspool of chaos. Second, he admitted the personal toll it was currently taking on him and the continued toll it would take to stay. It’s probably one of the greatest challenges for a leader to prioritize their own health above the call to serve but I remind you…when on a plane you’re always encouraged to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping the person beside you. Two unconscious people don’t help anyone.
Episode 124: “When Service Becomes Surrender”
This week, we explored William Ury’s transformative book “The Power of a Positive No” and its crucial lessons for municipal leadership.
You’ll discover:
Episode 125: “Culture By Choice: Leadership Lessons from ICMA President-Elect Mike Land”
Don’t miss this powerful conversation with Mike Land, City Manager of Coppell, Texas, as he shares his journey from bread delivery routes to leading one of Texas’s most culturally innovative cities.
You’ll discover:
As we approach the new year, there’s no better time to reassess our boundaries and leadership practices. This week, we’ve explored William Ury’s helpful book, “The Power of a Positive No,” on setting healthy boundaries while maintaining strong relationships – a crucial skill for every municipal leader walking the “municipal tightrope.”
Monday: When Nice Gets Nasty
Discover why maintaining boundaries isn’t selfish – it’s essential for sustainable leadership.
Tuesday: The Yes-No-Yes Formula: A Guide to Bulletproof Boundaries
Learn the proven framework for maintaining relationships while setting clear boundaries.
Wednesday: From Adversaries to Allies: The Art of Positive Engagement
Transform potential conflicts into opportunities for stronger relationships.
Thursday: Your Secret Weapon in Stakeholder Negotiations
Master the power of BATNA in municipal leadership.
Friday: From Theory to Practice: Boundary-Setting Wins
Real-world examples of successful boundary implementation in municipal settings.
“Culture is either by chance or by choice.” – Mike Land, Coppell City Manager
This captures the essence of impactful municipal leadership – intentional choices create lasting impact… or as I say: “Your boundaries aren’t barriers to service; they’re the foundation of sustainable impact.”
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment on the posts or share your experiences on my LinkedIn page.
The conversation I shared above has stayed with me all week. It’s a stark reminder that as municipal leaders, you often find yourself in situations where “powering through” isn’t the answer – where wisdom means knowing when to set boundaries or even walk away. As we wrap up this week’s exploration of “The Power of a Positive No” and continue our focus on Balance (the B of my ABC leadership framework), I’m reminded that true leadership strength isn’t just about what we achieve – it’s about sustaining our ability to serve effectively.
Too often in municipal leadership, we mistake endurance for effectiveness. We convince ourselves that if we just work harder, stay longer, or sacrifice more, we’ll eventually turn things around. But like our colleague above discovered, sometimes the most impactful leadership decision is protecting our own well-being.
FINAL CHANCE FOR PRE-LAUNCH PRICING
URGENT: Pre-launch pricing for the Municipal Leadership Development Circle ends Friday, December 20th!
Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to invest in your leadership development. The MLDC isn’t just another program – it’s your lifeline to sustainable leadership excellence. Through our comprehensive support system, you’ll:
Choose your path:
After December 20th, not only will prices increase, but you’ll miss out on exclusive bonuses including:
Next week’s dive into “Off Balance” by Matthew Kelly couldn’t be more timely. Following this week’s powerful reminder about sustainable leadership, Kelly’s work challenges us to rethink everything we believe about balance in municipal leadership.
You’ll discover:
Stay tuned for insights that will help you lead with both strength and sustainability!
P.S. How has the self-sacrifice myth 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 their organizational culture.
