Épisodes

  • 144: The Purpose-Driven City Hall

    144: The Purpose-Driven City Hall
    Feb 24 2025

    Show Notes: "The Purpose-Driven City Hall"
     Episode 144 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
    Part 1 of 5: "Start With Why" Series

    Episode Overview
    Seth Winterhalter explores how Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" principles can transform municipal leadership, examining how purpose-driven leadership can turn good departments into exceptional city governments. Learn how to move beyond bureaucratic processes to create meaningful community impact.

    Key Takeaways

    • Why bureaucracy fills the void when teams lose sight of purpose
    • How clear purpose simplifies complex municipal decision-making
    • The connection between purpose and organizational resilience
    • Converting technical decisions into community impact

    Implementation Examples

    • Transforming department meetings through purpose-focused discussions
    • Converting budget debates into collaborative resource alignment
    • Reframing daily operations through community impact
    • Building cross-departmental purpose alignment

    Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial
    Experience the Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

    • All five "Start With Why" podcast episodes
    • Daily deep-dive blog posts
    • Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
    • Complete MLDC platform and app access
    • Nationwide community of municipal leaders
    • Use code "Podcast" for an exclusive discount: JOIN NOW

    Resources Mentioned

    • Book: "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek
    • Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription)
    • Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

    Connect With Seth

    • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
    • Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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    5 min
  • 143: Steve Pauken: Finding Your Way to Yes

    143: Steve Pauken: Finding Your Way to Yes
    Feb 19 2025
    Show Notes: Steve Pauken: Finding Your Way to Yes Episode 143 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter for an insightful conversation with Steve Pauken, City Manager of Bisbee, Arizona, who shares his amazing journey in local government. From his early days as a councilman and mayor in Maumee, Ohio to his current post-retirement role, Steve offers unique perspectives on transforming municipal leadership through the art of finding ways to yes, building sustainable leadership practices, and creating lasting impact in local government. Key Takeaways The transformative power of finding ways to yes instead of defaulting to noLeveraging private sector experience in public serviceLeading with freedom: insights from post-retirement city managementNavigating political dynamics while remaining apoliticalBuilding sustainable leadership practices through work-life integrationThe value of having interests outside work (like astrophotography)Managing financial challenges Leadership Insights How to transform bureaucratic barriers into creative solutionsThe importance of understanding both private and public sector perspectivesStrategies for maintaining professional effectiveness while protecting personal well-beingConverting early career feedback into transformational leadership practicesBuilding trust through diplomatic yet firm boundary settingLeading with conviction rather than fearCreating sustainable organizational culture in municipal government Notable Quotes "The motive should always be to find a way to yes." - Steve Pauken Resources Mentioned The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for FreeMunicipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More HereVisit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources Connect with Steve Pauken LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-pauken-03478125/ Connect With Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalterWebsite: www.HaltingWinter.com The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched in January as a community for city managers and administrators to find support personally and professionally as they become stronger leaders. To celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE
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    1 h et 10 min
  • 142: Your Municipal Team's Hidden Potential

    142: Your Municipal Team's Hidden Potential
    Feb 17 2025

    Show Notes: "Breaking the Silence: Your Municipal Team's Hidden Potential"
    Episode 142 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
    Part 1 of 5: The Five Dysfunctions Series

    Episode Overview
    In this powerful opening episode, Seth Winterhalter explores how Patrick Lencioni's "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" directly applies to municipal leadership, revealing how the 'municipal mask' often prevents teams from reaching their full potential. Learn how to transform surface-level cooperation into genuine collaboration.

    Key Takeaways

    • Understanding the 'competence trap' in municipal leadership
    • How public scrutiny impacts team dynamics
    • The hidden cost of maintaining professional facades
    • Three key patterns limiting municipal team effectiveness

    Implementation Examples

    • Breaking down the "perfect department syndrome"
    • Transforming "meeting after the meeting" culture
    • Overcoming the "silo survival strategy"
    • Building authentic team connections while maintaining professionalism

    Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial
    Experience the complete Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

    • All five "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" podcast episodes
    • Daily deep-dive blog posts
    • Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
    • Complete access to the MLDC online platform and app
    • Nationwide community of municipal leaders
    • Start your free trial today: JOIN NOW

    Resources Mentioned

    • Book: "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni
    • Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription)
    • Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

    Connect With Seth

    • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
    • Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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    6 min
  • 141: Dustin Stambaugh: Building Trust Through Vulnerability in Municipal Leadership

    141: Dustin Stambaugh: Building Trust Through Vulnerability in Municipal Leadership
    Feb 12 2025

    Show Notes: Dustin Stambaugh: Building Trust Through Vulnerability in Municipal Leadership
    Episode 141 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

    Episode Overview
    Join Seth Winterhalter as he interviews Dustin Stambaugh, City Administrator of Fairfax, Iowa, for an authentic conversation about navigating the challenges of being a city's first administrator. From military service to municipal leadership, Dustin shares insights on building trust through vulnerability, managing transition, and finding personal-professional balance in public service.

    Key Takeaways

    • Transitioning military leadership skills to municipal management
    • The importance of patience and observation in new leadership roles
    • Building trust through authentic vulnerability
    • Managing resistance to organizational change
    • The value of professional networks and mentorship
    • Balancing professional growth with personal well-being
    • Finding community connection through local engagement

    Leadership Insights

    • The power of strategic patience in organizational change
    • Converting military experience into municipal management skills
    • Building trust through transparent communication
    • The importance of maintaining personal interests and community connections
    • Managing transition as a city's first administrator
    • Balancing authority with relationship building
    • The value of authentic leadership in public service

    Resources Mentioned

    • International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
    • The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for Free
    • Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
    • Visit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources

    Connect with Dustin Stambaugh

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinstambaugh/

    Connect With Seth Winterhalter

    • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
    • Website: www.HaltingWinter.com

    The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE
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    1 h et 4 min
  • 140: Finding Focus in the Age of Distraction

    140: Finding Focus in the Age of Distraction
    Feb 10 2025

    Show Notes: "Finding Focus in the Age of Distraction"
    Episode 142 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
    Part 1 of 5: The Deep Work Series

    Episode Overview
    In this opening episode of our Deep Work series, Seth Winterhalter explores how Cal Newport's fascinating work on focused productivity specifically applies to municipal leadership, revealing why the ability to engage in deep work is crucial for city managers who must balance immediate responsiveness with strategic thinking.

    Key Takeaways

    • Why traditional approaches to accessibility may undermine leadership effectiveness
    • The critical difference between being responsive and being strategic
    • How sustained focus enables transformative community initiatives
    • The relationship between deep work and service quality

    Implementation Examples

    • Creating systems for managing interruptions
    • Balancing accessibility with focused work
    • Developing clear protocols for urgent matters
    • Establishing productive work patterns

    Special: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial
    Experience the complete Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

    • All five Deep Work podcast episodes
    • Daily deep-dive blog posts
    • Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
    • Complete access to the MLDC online platform and app
    • Nationwide community of municipal leaders
    • Start your free trial today: JOIN NOW

    Resources Mentioned

    • Book: "Deep Work" by Cal Newport
    • Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription)
    • Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

    Connect With Seth

    • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
    • Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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    6 min
  • 139: Phil Kiraly: Finding Purpose in Public Service

    139: Phil Kiraly: Finding Purpose in Public Service
    Feb 5 2025
    Show Notes: Phil Kiraly: Finding Purpose in Public Service Episode 139 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter as he interviews Phil Kiraly, Village Manager of Glencoe, Illinois, for a compelling conversation about finding purpose in public service. From his family's refugee story to innovative municipal leadership, Phil shares insights on thoughtful change management, maintaining personal well-being while managing Type 1 diabetes, and creating a culture of purposeful public service. Key Takeaways The impact of family legacy on public service commitmentHow to implement change through thoughtful, strategic communicationStrategies for maintaining work-life integration in municipal leadershipBuilding trust through transparent communication and community engagementThe importance of professional associations and peer relationshipsCreating innovative solutions to traditional municipal challenges Career Highlights Discussed Journey from Parks & Recreation to City ManagementTwo-year internship with Village of SkokieAssistant Village Manager roles in Deerfield and NorthbrookVillage Manager of Glencoe since 2013President of Illinois City/County Management AssociationImplementation of innovative integrated public safety department Leadership Insights Converting "progress without change" to "progress requires thoughtful change"Building community trust through strategic communicationLeveraging technology and social media for citizen engagementCreating cross-functional teams and innovative service delivery modelsThe importance of staying connected to ground-level operationsBalancing innovation with community traditions Resources Mentioned Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA)International City/County Management Association (ICMA)The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for FreeMunicipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More HereVisit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources Connect with Phil Kiraly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-kiraly-icma-cm-25016360/ Connect With Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalterWebsite: www.HaltingWinter.com The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription with a 7-day FREE trial to make sure it's the right fit for you. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE
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    1 h et 23 min
  • 138: Mindset and Municipal Leadership

    138: Mindset and Municipal Leadership
    Feb 3 2025

    Show Notes: "Mindset and Municipal Leadership"
    Episode 137 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
    Part 1 of 5: The Mindset Series

    Episode Overview
    In this first episode of our Mindset series, Seth Winterhalter explores how Carol Dweck's fascinating research on mindset applies specifically to municipal leadership, revealing how city managers' beliefs about growth and adaptation fundamentally shape their effectiveness as leaders and their cities' futures.

    Key Takeaways

    • How mindset impacts your response to council criticism and setbacks
    • The relationship between leadership mindset and organizational culture
    • Why growth-oriented leaders see challenges differently
    • How your mindset shapes team development and innovation

    Implementation Examples

    • Transforming council meeting dynamics
    • Reframing departmental challenges
    • Enhancing team feedback processes
    • Building resilient leadership practices

    Special This Week: Free 7-Day MLDC Trial
    Experience the complete Municipal Leadership Development Circle with full access to:

    • All five Mindset podcast episodes
    • Daily deep-dive blog posts
    • Friday's Virtual Book Club discussion
    • Complete access to the MLDC online platform
    • Nationwide community of municipal leaders
    • Start your free trial HERE

    Resources Mentioned

    • Book: "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol Dweck
    • Weekly Newsletter - The Leader's Lens (free subscription)
    • Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

    Connect With Seth

    • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
    • Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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    5 min
  • 137: Travis Rothweiler: From Department Silos to 'One City'

    137: Travis Rothweiler: From Department Silos to 'One City'
    Jan 29 2025
    Show Notes: Travis Rothweiler: From Department Silos to 'One City' Episode 137 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Episode Overview Join Seth Winterhalter and Travis Rothweiler, City Manager of Twin Falls, Idaho, for an inspiring discussion about transformational leadership and organizational culture. From his early start as a city administrator at age 28 to implementing the innovative "One City" initiative, Travis shares powerful insights on breaking down departmental silos, developing leaders at all levels, and maintaining personal balance in public service. Key Takeaways How to transform traditional hierarchical structures into collaborative environmentsThe power of empowering employees to think like city managersStrategies for implementing organization-wide leadership developmentBalancing professional demands with personal well-beingThe importance of humility in executive leadershipCreating psychological safety for innovation and decision-making Career Highlights Discussed Fifth-generation Montanan turned Idaho public servantCity Administrator of Jerome, Idaho at age 28Assistant City Manager role under 32-year veteran Tom Courtney14 years as City Manager of Twin FallsDevelopment and implementation of the One City initiativeLeadership through significant economic development wins Leadership Insights Moving from expert-based to collaborative decision-makingBuilding trust through vulnerability and graceEmpowering employees to lead the budget processCreating parallel teams to solve organizational challengesThe importance of mentorship in leadership developmentBalancing family commitments with city management demands Personal Development Insights Transition from Ironman training to family prioritiesUsing fly fishing as both recreation and a leadership metaphorThe importance of setting boundaries in a 24/7 roleManaging crisis situations while maintaining personal balanceBuilding sustainable leadership practices Resources Mentioned The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe for FreeMunicipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More HereVisit www.haltingwinter.com for more resources Connect With Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalterWebsite: www.HaltingWinter.com The MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launched on January 6th, and to celebrate, we're giving podcast listeners 20% off an annual subscription during the month of January. Visit the link below and use the coupon code "PODCAST" when you checkout today! --> JOIN HERE
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    1 h et 12 min