Chapter 10

Thinking Government: Public Administration and Politics in Canada

The Challenges of Leadership

This chapter assesses the future of public sector management, particularly with respect to the characteristics of both effective and failed leadership. It looks at the various ways in which leadership can go wrong, when leaders

  • waste resources;
  • cling to outworn traditions;
  • think narrowly;
  • underestimate problems and overestimate solutions;
  • believe in simple solutions to complex problems;
  • persist despite evidence;
  • discourage critical thinking;
  • suppress or distort bad news;
  • alternate between indecision and frenzy; and
  • look for scapegoats and conspiracies.

And it examines the qualities of effective leadership, emphasizing the need for

  • a coherent vision to inform all actions;
  • effective use of people, communication, and trust;
  • effective use of a variety of management tools;
  • teamwork; and
  • the ability to manage change.

The text defines the three pillars of good leadership in public sector management as aim, character, and execution. The leader who has clear aims, inspires employees but also learns from them, and executes activities and policies using a range of suitable techniques will be highly effective.

Finally, the chapter explores the concept of good followership: leaders are only as good as those they lead. The relationship is symbiotic, and the necessity for a well-informed citizenry is paramount.


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