The HaltingWinter Podcast

Written by: Seth Winterhalter
  • Summary

  • The HaltingWinter Podcast offers insights and strategies for city managers and municipal leaders to transform their leadership, energize their teams, and revitalize their municipalities. Hosted by Seth Winterhalter, President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, we explore innovative approaches to balance personal well-being with professional growth while cultivating a vibrant workplace culture. Discover how to lead with purpose, navigate complex challenges, and deliver exceptional results for your community. Each episode provides actionable advice to help you thrive in the unique landscape of municipal leadership. Whether you're a seasoned city manager or new to municipal leadership, this podcast is your resource for personal and professional growth. Tune in and join our mission of making stronger cities through stronger leaders.
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Episodes
  • 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 mins
  • 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 hr and 10 mins
  • 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 mins

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