Craig Honeycutt: Why Compromise Isn't WeaknessThe Emotional Resilience Required to Lead in Local Government

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "7f0aa905-d803-4481-9e44-c1a088a011df" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant">

Episode 298 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies

After more than three decades in municipal leadership, serving as town manager, city manager, county manager, and ultimately retiring as City Manager of Burlington, North Carolina, Craig Honeycutt has learned something many leaders only discover the hard way:

Compromise is not weakness. And criticism is rarely personal.

In this conversation, Craig reflects on a career built from the ground up, starting in small communities, learning operations firsthand, navigating political transitions, leading through natural disasters, and managing in an increasingly polarized climate.

He shares why local government is truly the infrastructure of daily life…why young leaders should start small and "do everything," and why emotional resilience is the defining trait of successful managers today.

This episode is a masterclass in steady leadership, especially in a time when incivility and polarization are testing public servants across the country.

Sponsored by:

• Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software solutions designed specifically for the public sector and local government. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

• The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a global community for local government leaders who want ongoing support, practical insights, and a trusted peer network to help them lead with clarity and conviction. Learn more at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect with Seth Winterhalter

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