Steve Mokrohisky: Culture Doesn't Care What You Say
Why Behaviors Matter More Than Values
Episode 400 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Sponsored by Tyler Technologies
Every organization has a culture. But it's not defined by the values printed on the wall, the mission statement on the website, or the words leaders use to describe it. Culture is shaped by the behaviors people demonstrate, reinforce, and tolerate every day.
Steve Mokrohisky, County Administrator of Lane County, Oregon, joins Seth Winterhalter to share how he's helped transform a complex public organization of nearly 2,000 employees by moving beyond aspirational values and making organizational culture something employees actually practice.
Drawing from more than 25 years in local government, Steve explores why strategic planning is essential to escaping reactive leadership, how curiosity and humility make executives more effective, and why building an organization that can thrive without you may be the ultimate measure of leadership success.
The conversation also tackles one of the most difficult realities facing city and county managers: navigating disruptive governing body members while maintaining professionalism, organizational stability, and personal integrity.
From employee wellness and organizational trust to leadership succession and work-life alignment, this episode challenges public sector leaders to consider a fundamental question: Does your organization's everyday behavior reflect the culture you say you're building?
Heading to ICMA Long Beach?
Navigating difficult relationships with elected officials is one of the most challenging aspects of professional local government management. In his ICMA Annual Conference education session, "How to Deal with Disruptive Governing Body Members," Steve explores how city and county managers can respond to disruptive governing body behavior, establish healthy governance expectations, and maintain effective leadership when political dynamics threaten organizational stability.
About Steve Mokrohisky
Steve Mokrohisky has served as County Administrator of Lane County, Oregon, since 2014, overseeing a regional government serving approximately 400,000 residents across 5,000 square miles. With more than 25 years in local government, including leadership roles in Wisconsin and Nevada, he has focused on organizational transformation, strategic alignment, and employee well-being. Under his leadership, Lane County has been recognized as Oregon's healthiest large employer for five consecutive years.
This Episode is Sponsored by:
Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter
The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open now at https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC
Connect With Seth Winterhalter
Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com
