With People, Not To People

Matt Hillmann

Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators

“With People, Not To People”

One of the challenges of leadership is that it can be tempting to move quickly. Decisions need to be made. Problems need to be solved. Time is always in short supply.

But what if taking more time at the beginning actually led to better decisions, stronger relationships, and greater trust in the end?

In this week's episode of Community Catalysts, I sit down with Matt Hillmann, who, as of July 1, has stepped into a statewide leadership role as Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators after nearly a decade as superintendent of Northfield Public Schools.

Our conversation explores an idea that has stayed with me ever since we recorded it: leaders should strive to do things with people rather than to people.

Matt shares practical examples of how his community engaged residents, students, nonprofits, healthcare providers, businesses, and local government in shaping important decisions together. The result wasn't simply better public participation. It was stronger ownership, deeper trust, and better outcomes.

We also found ourselves exploring a topic I hadn't expected: the relationship between grace and forgiveness in leadership. Matt makes the case that healthy communities depend on leaders who intentionally create the conditions that allow people to learn from mistakes, remain engaged through disagreement, and continue working together.

If your work involves leading people, building trust, or helping groups navigate challenging decisions, I think you'll find this conversation both practical and encouraging.

I hope you'll give it a listen.

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An Invitation to Share Your Leadership Story

Community Catalysts is built on the belief that some of the most valuable leadership insights are earned quietly, through real service in real communities.

If you serve in a civic leadership role—and you’d be open to sharing hard-won lessons from your own experience—I invite you to consider being a guest on a future episode.

You can learn more and volunteer by completing a brief guest questionnaire at:www.CatalystGuest.us 

Every submission is reviewed personally. Your story may help another leader see their own work more clearly, or feel less alone in the responsibilities they carry.

Thank you for the work you do—and for considering this invitation.