Show Notes: Jimmy Liles: The Think Tank Approach to Municipal Innovation Episode 164 of The HaltingWinter Podcast

Overview In this episode of the HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter interviews Jimmy Liles, City Administrator of Nixa, Missouri. Jimmy shares his remarkable journey from a 20-year career in law enforcement to municipal leadership, where he's established an award-winning culture of innovation. Through his "Think Tank" initiative and commitment to organizational culture, Jimmy has helped Nixa navigate rapid growth while winning the Missouri Municipal League Innovation Award five times. Their conversation explores creative approaches to engaging employees at all levels, breaking down departmental silos, and maintaining work-life boundaries in demanding municipal roles.

Episode Highlights:

• Unconventional Career Path: Jimmy's transition from police officer to chief of police to city administrator without the traditional MPA background
• The Think Tank Initiative: How Jimmy created a cross-departmental team of employees at all levels to generate innovative solutions for the city
• Award-Winning Innovation: The approaches that have helped Nixa win the Missouri Municipal League Innovation Award five times
• Three-Step Cultural Approach: Jimmy's method for organizational culture: define it (integrity, service, accountability), build it, and sustain it
• Breaking Down Departmental Silos: Discovering interconnections between municipal departments when moving from police to administration
• Small Town Growth: Managing Nixa's expansion from around 5,000 to 25,000 residents while maintaining its hometown feel and community values
• Setting Boundaries with Elected Officials: Establishing communication protocols with council members to protect personal time
• Relationships as Foundation: Building trust with council members and staff through open communication and humility
• Leading from the Middle: Jimmy's philosophy of not needing to be the smartest person in the room to be an effective leader
• Work-Life Integration: Creating intentional boundaries through unplugged vacations and clear communication protocols

Connect with Jimmy Liles:

• LinkedIn: Connect with Jimmy Here

Connect With Seth Winterhalter

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

About HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions: At HaltingWinter, our mission is to build stronger cities through stronger leaders by providing municipal leadership development services, rooted in the ABCs of Impactful Leadership framework. To explore how we can strengthen you and your municipality, visit haltingwinter.com.

Upcoming Events: Don't miss Seth Winterhalter at the Missouri City and County Managers Association Spring Conference at the Margaritaville Resort. Register now at www.momanagers.org/191/Spring-Conference.

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