Show Notes: Book of the Week – Measure What Matters

Episode 192 of The HaltingWinter Podcast (Part 1 of 5: Measure What Matters Series) Episode Title: Why Most Local Government Goals Fail

Episode Overview

It’s not that local government leaders don’t set goals—it’s that we rarely set the right ones.

In this kickoff episode of our Measure What Matters series, Seth Winterhalter introduces the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework popularized by John Doerr. With roots in Silicon Valley but massive relevance for city management, this system helps teams clarify outcomes, track progress, and stay aligned—without drowning in endless to-do lists.

Whether you're managing city operations, launching a new initiative, or leading internal culture change, OKRs offer a clear path to success. In this episode, we look at why so many government goals fall flat—and what to do instead.

Key Takeaways

• Why goals often stall out in local government

• The difference between output and outcome

• What makes the OKR framework so powerful and practical

• The danger of measuring activity instead of progress

• How clear, measurable objectives improve alignment and momentum

This Week’s Journey in the MLDC

• Monday: Introduction to OKRs and why they matter in public service

• Tuesday–Thursday: Deep dives into setting objectives, defining key results, and team implementation

• Friday: Virtual Book Club for live conversation and practical takeaways

Summer Special + Free 7-Day MLDC Trial

This week’s free trial gives you access to: ✔ All five episodes breaking down Measure What Matters ✔ Daily blog reflections and practical implementation tools ✔ A community of city managers and municipal leaders from across the country ✔ Our live, weekly Virtual Mastermind session

➡ Start your free 7-day trial now at HaltingWinter.com

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Measure What Matters by John Doerr

• MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc

• Weekly Newsletter: The Leader’s Lens

Connect with Seth

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

• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com