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!” In our journey to build stronger cities through stronger leaders, we’ve been challenging a pervasive myth in municipal leadership: that self-sacrifice equals dedication. Through Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s helpful book “Burnout,” we’ve discovered how sustainable leadership practices actually lead to better service for our communities.
This week, something remarkable happened in Ferris, Texas. The city staff created a powerful tribute to their city manager, Brooks Williams, celebrating his transformative leadership. What makes this story special isn’t just the recognition – it’s what it represents about sustainable leadership culture.
When Brooks first arrived in Ferris, he inherited a challenging situation (hear the full story in Episode 121 of the HaltingWinter Podcast). Instead of falling into the trap of self-sacrifice, he focused on building sustainable systems and developing his team. The result? A culture where excellence and well-being reinforce each other.
Results/Impact:
Watch the tribute video they made for Brooks here: LinkedIn Post
Episode 122: “The Self-Sacrifice Myth: From Survival Mode to Strategic Leadership”
This week, we explored groundbreaking insights about burnout in municipal leadership and how to transform stress management practices.
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Episode 123: “The Power of Roots: From Local Kid to Two Decades of Municipal Leadership”
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bill Wagoner, celebrating 20 years as Arcola’s first and only City Administrator.
You’ll discover:
Each day this week, we’ve explored crucial insights about sustainable municipal leadership, drawing insights from the book, “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily and Amelia Nagoski. Catch up on these powerful insights:
The Hidden Cost of Municipal Leadership: Why Burnout Isn’t Just Personal
Understanding the true impact of chronic stress on leadership effectiveness.
Why Managing City Crises Isn’t Enough: The Science of Stress Completion
Discovering the crucial difference between handling situations and managing stress.
The Exhausting Mental Monitor: Why City Managers Can’t Just ‘Switch Off’
Exploring strategies to manage the unique mental load of municipal leadership.
The Public Service Paradox: Breaking Free from the Self-Sacrifice Cycle
Transforming how we think about dedication and effectiveness in public service.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Your Municipal Leadership Action Plan
Practical steps for implementing sustainable leadership practices.
“Managing the stressor isn’t the same as managing the stress itself.”
This insight should break the chains of mental bondage to how many people think about municipal leadership effectiveness. While you’re experts at handling difficult council meetings, budget crises, and community challenges, your impact depends on more than just crisis management skills. It requires sustainable practices that allow you to bring clear thinking and creative solutions to each new challenge… or as I say: “Your city needs you at your best, not just at your busiest.”
This week’s exploration of burnout in municipal leadership has been deeply personal for me. I’ve seen countless dedicated leaders push themselves to the brink, believing that’s what their communities need (and honestly, I’ve done the same myself). But what if our understanding of dedication has been backward? What if the most dedicated leaders are actually those who model sustainable excellence?
Through conversations with city managers across the country, one thing becomes clear: the path to stronger cities doesn’t run through burnout. It runs through strategic, sustainable leadership practices that allow you to bring your best self to your community day after day.
Are you experiencing any of these challenges?
You’re not alone. Our first MLDC members are already receiving Beta content throughout December, getting a head start on their 2025 transformation. Join now to be part of something bigger than you can imagine.
Next week, we’re diving into “The Power of a Positive No” by William Ury. Discover how setting healthy boundaries actually enables better service – a perfect follow-up to our burnout insights!
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.
