Different Minds, Better Solutions: The Science of Collaborative Intelligence

In this week's episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we explore how understanding and leveraging different thinking patterns can transform municipal leadership and drive better solutions in our cities.

• Mind Pattern Theory
• The Art of Inquiry
• Collaborative Infrastructure
• Cognitive Diversity in Teams

• Book: "Collaborative Intelligence" by Dawna Markova and Angie McArthur
• HaltingWinter Blog Series: "The Power of Collaborative Intelligence"
• The Leader's Lens Newsletter: Subscribe Here
• Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC)

• Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
• LinkedIn: Seth Winterhalter

Learn more about the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) launching January 2025. Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC for exclusive founding member benefits.

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On this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, discover how City Manager Marc Mondell is leading Tulare, California's remarkable transformation through bold, decisive leadership. "Drive it like you stole it" isn't just a catchy phrase – it's Mondell's philosophy for municipal leaders who want to create real change. Learn how he's erasing 30 years of stagnation through strategic economic development, innovative solutions to homelessness, and a commitment to taking calculated risks.

From reimagining downtown spaces to securing $550 million in transportation improvements, hear firsthand how bold leadership combined with strategic planning can transform a city. Mondell shares practical insights on: - Building council relationships through proactive communication - Turning challenges into opportunities for economic growth - Creating innovative solutions to homelessness while balancing compassion with accountability - Leading with confidence instead of fear

Whether you're an aspiring city manager or a seasoned municipal leader, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on what's possible when you choose bold action over bureaucratic safety.

Note: Our Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching January 2025 and early membership starts this week! Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC to learn more and save your seat. Early enrollment bonuses are limited!

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: Subscribe Here

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

On this episode of The Halting Winter Podcast, discover the invisible patterns that separate thriving city halls from those stuck in bureaucratic quicksand. We dive deep into Daniel Coyle's "The Culture Code" to reveal how high-performing organizations build psychological safety, use strategic vulnerability, and make purpose more than just words on a wall.

Learn why traditional approaches to municipal leadership might be holding your organization back, and discover practical ways to transform your city's culture without compromising authority or accountability. Whether you're struggling with silos, innovation barriers, or team engagement, these insights will help you build the kind of organizational DNA that drives excellence.

Read the 5-part companion blog series here: HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

Note: Our Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching January 2025 and early membership starts this week! Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC to learn more and save your seat. Early enrollment bonuses are limited!

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: Subscribe Here

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

In this powerful episode, Charlie Bush, City Administrator of Sedro-Woolley in Washington State, shares his remarkable journey from the brink of burnout to discovering a more sustainable and impactful approach to municipal leadership. From his early days being mentored in Glendale, Arizona to navigating personal health challenges that forced him to reimagine his relationship with work, Charlie offers candid insights about the real demands of city management and the importance of holistic wellbeing.

Learn how this seasoned leader transformed a potential career-ending health crisis into an opportunity for deeper growth, and why he believes mentorship isn't just about giving back – it's about securing the future of municipal leadership. Whether you're a seasoned city manager or aspiring to public service, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building a sustainable and meaningful career in local government.

Key topics include:

• The power of mentorship in developing future municipal leaders
• Why personal wellbeing isn't optional for effective leadership
• How to build a sustainable approach to high-pressure roles
• The unexpected benefits of taking strategic "step back" moves
• Creating lasting impact through intentional leadership development

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing municipal leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results.

Subscribe to our FREE, weekly newsletter to get all our podcasts and daily articles in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

On this episode of The Halting Winter Podcast, learn how to transform how you handle your toughest conversations as a municipal leader. We dive into practical strategies from the book, "Crucial Conversations" that help you navigate high-stakes moments with confidence and purpose. Learn the STATE method for turning potential conflicts into collaborative wins, and discover why starting with heart isn't just about being nice – it's about being strategic. Whether you're facing contentious council meetings, difficult performance discussions, or heated public forums, these insights will help you lead with greater impact.

Read the 5-part companion blog series here: HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

Note: Our Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is launching January 2025 and early membership starts this week! Visit HaltingWinter.com/MLDC to learn more and save your seat. Early enrollment bonuses are limited!

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

We head to the Lone Star State in this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, as host Seth Winterhalter sits down with Austin Bleess, City Manager of Jersey Village, Texas. From delivering newspapers in frigid Minnesota winters to managing multi-million dollar flood mitigation projects in Texas, Bleess shares how his small-town roots shaped his approach to city leadership.

Discover how Bleess successfully secured over $30 million in grants for Jersey Village while navigating challenges from hurricanes to infrastructure upgrades. His innovative approach to crisis management and long-term planning offers valuable insights for both seasoned and aspiring municipal leaders.

Beyond professional achievements, Bleess offers candid reflections on maintaining work-life balance in a demanding role. His perspectives on setting boundaries, unplugging from technology, and preserving family time provide practical wisdom for leaders wrestling with the pressures of public service.

Whether you're a municipal leader or someone interested in public service, this conversation illuminates how small-town values can drive big-city success. Don't miss this inspiring discussion about building resilient communities and sustainable leadership.

Subscribe to our FREE, weekly newsletter to get all our podcasts, daily articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing municipal leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results.

Are you finding that feedback in your municipality often creates tension rather than progress? It's time to transform the way you handle feedback in your city leadership.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter explores the groundbreaking insights from "Thanks for the Feedback" by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen, revealing how municipal leaders can turn even the toughest criticism into fuel for civic growth. Discover how successful city managers are creating more responsive, innovative governments by mastering the art of feedback.

You'll discover:

• Why most feedback fails to drive positive change in municipalities
• How to identify and navigate the three types of feedback every city leader encounters
• The hidden emotional triggers that can derail even the most promising feedback conversations
• Practical strategies to build a feedback-rich culture that sparks innovation and collaboration

Whether you're dealing with council criticism, citizen complaints, or departmental dynamics, this episode offers proven approaches that could transform your leadership effectiveness.

Ready to turn feedback into your city's catalyst for positive change? Tune in now and learn how to make every conversation count toward building a stronger municipality.

Read the 5-part companion blog series here: HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing city leaders and fostering a flourishing municipal culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

In this captivating episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, host Seth Winterhalter interviews Jerry Gabrielatos, the innovative City Manager of Beloit, Wisconsin. Gabrielatos shares his journey from Chicago's political trenches to pioneering a "Satellite City Hall" initiative, bringing city government to barbershops and grocery stores.

Discover how Gabrielatos navigated pandemic challenges, tackled urban issues, and transformed community engagement. His grassroots approach and adaptive leadership offer valuable insights for both seasoned and aspiring municipal leaders.

This episode is a masterclass in reimagining local governance for stronger, more connected communities. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on bringing city hall to the doorsteps of the people.

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing municipal leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results.

Are you struggling to gain support for your initiatives, feeling like your message isn't resonating with your community? It's time to unlock the transformative power of words in your municipal leadership.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter delves into the fascinating insights from Frank Luntz's book, "Words That Work," revealing why it's not just what you say, but what people hear that truly matters. Discover how top-performing city managers are achieving unprecedented success by mastering the art of effective communication.

You'll discover:

• Why technical expertise alone isn't enough to win public support for your initiatives
• How the right words can transform resistance into enthusiasm for your projects
• The 7 key principles of effective communication that every city manager should master
• Practical strategies to reframe your message for maximum impact in your community

Whether you're facing skeptical stakeholders, complex policy explanations, or community outreach challenges, this episode offers fresh perspectives that could revolutionize your leadership approach.

Ready to harness the full power of your words and catalyze positive change in your city? Tune in now and learn how to turn your communication into your most potent leadership tool.

Read the 5-part companion blog series here: HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.

Are you stuck in a cycle of constantly trying to fix your weaknesses, only to find yourself exhausted and your organization stagnating? It's time to rip off the band-aid and embrace a revolutionary approach to leadership.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter will challenge the age-old advice of "work on your weaknesses" and reveal why this well-intentioned strategy might be the very thing holding you and your city back. Drawing from "Strengths Based Leadership" by Rath and Conchie, we'll show you how top-performing city managers are achieving unprecedented success by focusing on strengths instead of patching flaws.

You'll discover:

• Why the "fix your weaknesses" approach is like trying to plug a dam with band-aids
• How identifying and leveraging your unique strengths can transform your leadership impact
• Real-world examples of city managers who've revolutionized their municipalities by embracing strengths-based leadership
• Practical strategies to shift from weakness-fixing to strength-amplifying in your daily operations

Whether you're battling budget constraints, team conflicts, or community challenges, this episode offers a fresh perspective that could be the game-changer you've been seeking.

Ready to move beyond quick fixes and unlock the true potential of your leadership and your city? Tune in now and discover how to turn your so-called weaknesses into your greatest assets.

Read the 5-part companion blog series here.

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to get all our podcasts, articles, and more in one easy-to-read weekly resource: The Leader's Lens

Connect with Seth on LinkedIn

Check out HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions - your primary resource for developing leaders and fostering a flourishing workplace culture that produces extraordinary results through executive coaching, professional speaking, and results-based consulting.