“Sometimes a Hammer, Sometimes a Feather”

with Mayor Bill Danielson

Irmo, South Carolina

When Mayor Bill Danielson of Irmo, South Carolina, described himself as a “hammer guy,” I knew we were in for a real conversation. After more than 35 years in business, the Mayor came into public office with a strong personality and a drive to get things done. But what struck me most in our interview was his candor—the way he acknowledged that leadership in local government requires something different than the hammer alone.

The Mayor put it plainly: “Sometimes it’s a hammer, sometimes it’s a feather.” In those few words, he captured a lesson many of us learn the hard way. The same force and confidence that can close a business deal doesn’t always work across the council dais or with neighboring jurisdictions. In government, progress depends on listening carefully, choosing words thoughtfully, and respecting relationships that may take years to build.

What I appreciate is the Mayor’s willingness to admit that this wasn’t instinctive for him. It’s something he’s had to learn on the job—discovering when to push and when to soften, when to assert and when to invite. That self-awareness is rare, and it’s exactly the kind of insight that makes Community Catalysts conversations so worthwhile.

His story is about more than Irmo’s challenge of funding local government without property or sales tax. It’s about a leader recognizing that strength isn’t just about pressing harder—it’s about adapting, staying open, and letting the role teach you what’s needed.

That’s a lesson every community leader can take to heart. Sometimes we need the hammer. More often, we need the feather.

You can listen to my full conversation with Mayor Danielson on the Community Catalysts podcast.