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.
The Scene: It’s 8:00 PM on a Tuesday. You’re finally sitting down to dinner with your family (your kids ate hours ago) when your phone buzzes. A council member wants your thoughts on a new policy proposal – right now. Your fork hovers halfway to your mouth as that familiar tension rises. You know you should protect your personal time, but saying “no” to elected officials feels like a political minefield.
Sound familiar?
As city managers, you’re caught on what I call “the municipal tightrope,” trying to balance the demands of the three-headed snake: elected officials, department heads, and citizens. Each head strikes from different directions, and our instinct is often to say “yes” to keep the peace. After all, public service is about serving others, right?
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Your tendency to say “yes” to everything isn’t just unsustainable – it’s undermining your effectiveness as leaders.
This week, we’re diving into William Ury’s eye-opening book “The Power of a Positive No” and its crucial lessons for municipal leadership. Ury, co-founder of Harvard’s Program on Negotiation, reveals something transformative: The most successful leaders don’t just say “no” – they say it in a way that actually strengthens relationships and advances their mission.
Over the next few days, we’ll explore three surprising insights that will transform how you handle demands on your time and energy:
These concepts aren’t just theoretical – they’re practical tools that align perfectly with what I call the “Art of Balance” in my ABC framework. They’ll help you move from reactive people-pleasing to proactive leadership that serves both you and your community better.
Why? Because here’s what I’ve learned working with city managers across the country: The most effective leaders aren’t the ones who say “yes” to everything. They’re the ones who’ve mastered the art of saying “no” in a way that actually enhances their leadership impact.
Key Takeaways & Action Steps:
Transform Your Leadership in 2025
Mastering the art of setting healthy boundaries while maintaining strong relationships is crucial for municipal leaders. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), launching in January 2025, offers city managers and leaders a comprehensive framework for developing these essential leadership skills. Through our program, you’ll join a community of municipal leaders focused on sustainable leadership practices. You’ll gain access to proven tools for setting and maintaining professional boundaries, along with expert guidance on navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
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.
