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.
As we approach the final days of 2024, I’m reminded of Stephen Covey’s profound insight about proactive leaders: “They pick up the phone while others are letting it ring. They act while others are being acted upon.”
This principle has never been more relevant for municipal leaders. In my conversations this week alone, I’ve heard two distinct perspectives:
“I need to wait until the new budget cycle to think about development.”
“I can’t afford another year of reactive leadership.”
One of these leaders will transform their municipality in 2025. The other will be having the same conversation next December.
Let’s be brutally honest about what reactive leadership costs:
The constant drain of:
The ongoing struggle of:
The real impact of:
Proactive leaders understand three fundamental truths:
Think about the most significant improvements in your municipal career. How many came from waiting for the perfect time? How many came from decisive action?
You might be thinking, “I’ll start fresh in January.” Here’s why that’s a costly mistake.
Success in leadership development isn’t just about making a decision – it’s about positioning yourself for that success. The strongest implementation happens when leaders have time to prepare, align resources, and build momentum. Waiting until “sometime” in January means starting behind, settling for what’s left rather than choosing what’s best.
Think of it like planning a major city initiative. The most successful projects don’t begin with the groundbreaking – they start with careful preparation, strategic positioning, and resource alignment. The same is true for your leadership development.
The next few days represent a unique window of opportunity. While others are waiting for January to think about growth, proactive leaders are already positioning themselves for success. They understand that the best resources, strongest support systems, and most impactful opportunities go to those who move first.
Today, you’re not just deciding about professional development. You’re choosing between:
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) transforms municipal leaders from reactive to proactive, but this transformation requires proper preparation and positioning. As someone committed to genuine municipal transformation, I carefully limit program access to ensure each participant receives the focused attention needed for real change. These remaining spaces – including priority access to high-impact features – are reserved for leaders and municipalities who demonstrate proactive decision-making.
Don’t let another year begin in reaction mode. Don’t watch the best opportunities go to other leaders while you wait for the ‘perfect’ time.
The leaders who act now will secure priority access to all program features. Those who wait will face limited options and missed opportunities.
Seth Winterhalter is the President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions and creator of the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. Through the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), he helps municipal leaders transform from reactive to proactive leadership.
