Excellence in Action: How Public Sector Leaders Hone Their Craft
The demands on public services have never been greater or more complex. They must deliver against an increasingly complex set of citizen needs in a fast-changing world, as budgets and workforces come under strain. At their best, senior leaders at the helm of public institutions are setting bold visions and galvanizing their teams to deliver. It’s no easy job. To succeed amid disruption, excellent leaders make character their compass.
Key Findings
Respect for character was the second-most cited indicator of leadership excellence, but it leapt into first place when respondents were asked to identify the most remarkable leaders they had worked with in the public service. Character is the compass for delivering impact in a complex world, as demonstrated by stories of leaders who displayed moral courage and innate leadership.
Leadership Practices
The best public sector leaders are masters of both the art and science of steering large organizations to deliver impact amid complexity. Setting the direction and mobilizing through leaders were the highest ranked practices in self-assessment, while cocreating with stakeholders was seen as the weakest practice.
Time Allocation
Leaders allocate the greatest share of their time to setting their organization’s direction, vision, and strategy. While most leaders rated themselves highly in direction-setting, many saw gaps in their ability to navigate the government and manage external parties effectively.
Recommendations
It is crucial for public sector leaders to engage more with citizens and stakeholders, allocate resources strategically, and focus on fostering collaborative relationships. By addressing these areas of improvement, leaders can drive successful reforms and programs in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, public sector leaders must prioritize character and strategic direction-setting to excel in a complex and demanding environment. By honing their leadership practices, allocating time effectively, and addressing areas of improvement, leaders can drive impactful change and deliver value to citizens.
FAQ
What are the key indicators of leadership excellence in the public service?
Respect for character and the ability to set a strategic direction were identified as key indicators of leadership excellence in the public service.
How can public sector leaders improve their capabilities?
Public sector leaders can improve their capabilities by engaging more with citizens and stakeholders, allocating resources strategically, and focusing on fostering collaborative relationships.
What is the importance of character in leadership?
Character is the compass for delivering impact in a complex world, as demonstrated by stories of leaders who displayed moral courage and innate leadership.
