This week, we’ve explored how collaborative intelligence can transform municipal leadership. But here’s the challenge: How do you take these powerful insights and turn them into tangible changes in your organization? Today, we’re getting tactical – providing you with a plethora of concrete tools and practical strategies to make collaborative intelligence work in your municipality.
The Reality Check
Why Most Collaboration Initiatives Fail
Starting too big instead of building momentum through small wins
Focusing on tools and technology without addressing underlying behaviors
Assuming collaboration happens naturally when people are put together
Not accounting for existing power dynamics and political realities
Failing to create psychological safety for true collaboration
Signs Your Municipality is Ready
Leadership actively seeks diverse perspectives
Teams express frustration with current silos
Department heads show willingness to share resources
There’s recognition that current approaches aren’t working
Early adopters are already modeling collaborative behaviors
Common Barriers to Watch For
“We’ve always done it this way” mentality
Hidden incentives that reward individual over collective success
Unclear decision-making processes
Fear of losing control or authority
Lack of time and perceived added workload
Tools You Can Use Tomorrow
Meeting Redesign Templates
The Collaborative Kickoff
First 5 minutes: Individual reflection on key questions
Next 10 minutes: Pair sharing of insights
Final 45 minutes: Structured group discussion using “build on” language
Close with clear action items and owners
The Cross-Department Huddle
15-minute standing meeting
Each department shares:
One win from last week
One challenge they need help with
One opportunity for collaboration
Focus on making offers, not just requests
The Solution Lab Format
Present challenge (5 minutes)
Silent idea generation (10 minutes)
Round-robin sharing without debate (15 minutes)
Building and connecting ideas (20 minutes)
Prioritizing and next steps (10 minutes)
Decision-Making Frameworks
The Collaboration Canvas
Who needs to be involved?
Who will be impacted?
What information do we need?
What constraints exist?
What does success look like?
How will we decide?
The CLEAR Decision Model
Collect diverse perspectives
List assumptions and risks
Evaluate options together
Align on criteria
Reach and record decision
Communication Protocols
The Collaboration Contract
How we’ll share information
When we’ll meet and why
How decisions will be made
How conflicts will be handled
What success looks like
How we’ll give feedback
The Status Template
Progress since last update
Current challenges
Resources needed
Next milestones
Collaboration opportunities
Decisions needed
Measuring What Matters
Key Performance Indicators
Process Metrics
Number of cross-departmental initiatives
Participation in collaborative sessions
Time to decision on joint projects
Rate of information sharing
Cross-department referrals
Outcome Metrics
Project success rates
Innovation implementation
Employee engagement scores
Stakeholder satisfaction
Resource optimization
Cultural Metrics
Psychological safety scores
Trust between departments
Willingness to share resources
Collaborative behavior adoption
Leadership modeling of behaviors
Troubleshooting Guide
Recovery Strategies
When Trust Breaks Down
Acknowledge the issue openly
Return to shared purpose
Create small win opportunities
Rebuild through joint projects
Celebrate collective successes
When Energy Fades
Review and share early wins
Gather and address feedback
Adjust pace if needed
Find new challenge opportunities
Reconnect to purpose
When Politics Interfere
Focus on common ground
Document shared benefits
Build coalition support
Create safe spaces for dialogue
Demonstrate early impact
Moving Forward
Remember, implementing collaborative intelligence isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. Start small, learn continuously, and build momentum through visible wins. Your role is to create the conditions where collaboration can thrive, then let your team’s natural intelligence take over.
Transform Your Municipal Culture in 2025
Understanding how to implement collaborative intelligence is just the beginning. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching January 2025, provides the ongoing support, tools, and community you need to make collaboration a natural part of your municipal culture.
Through daily guidance, practical tools, and peer learning, you’ll develop the skills to build and sustain collaborative practices that transform how your city works together. Join a community of municipal leaders who are actively creating more innovative, efficient, and engaging workplaces.
Seth Winterhalter is President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Through executive coaching, consulting, and the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), HaltingWinter helps city managers and municipal leaders transform their leadership impact and their organizational culture.
