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 no
• Leveraging private sector experience in public service
• Leading with freedom: insights from post-retirement city management
• Navigating political dynamics while remaining apolitical
• Building sustainable leadership practices through work-life integration
• The value of having interests outside work (like astrophotography)
• Managing financial challenges

Leadership Insights

• How to transform bureaucratic barriers into creative solutions
• The importance of understanding both private and public sector perspectives
• Strategies for maintaining professional effectiveness while protecting personal well-being
• Converting early career feedback into transformational leadership practices
• Building trust through diplomatic yet firm boundary setting
• Leading with conviction rather than fear
• Creating 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 Free
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Learn More Here
• Visit 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/sethwinterhalter
• Website: 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