Systems leadership is now a central tenet of local government culture. Operating in increasingly complex and volatile environments, local authorities must form deeper partnerships with public and private sectors locally, regionally and nationally.
What is systems leadership in a local government context?
Systems leadership transcends traditional boundaries to address complex challenges. Leaders engage with stakeholders to co-create solutions, requiring a broad understanding of the ecosystem and interactions. At its core, systems leadership creates a shared vision and aligns efforts across sectors or structures.
In practice, systems leadership, or place-based leadership, unites organisations to solve problems no single body can tackle alone. Systems leaders work across boundaries, influence collective focus, and develop relationships to ensure shared goals. This approach is essential for delivering credible solutions.
The importance of systems leadership in modern day local government
The challenges local authorities face to support communities – be that social care, housing and economic development – require coordinated efforts. Financial pressures demand innovative approaches to maximise resources. Effective systems leadership aligns policies across sectors, creating cohesive governance.
Reorganisation and devolution drive the need for systems leadership. Reorganisation unites councils and regions, requiring leaders to navigate changes and build new relationships. Devolution gives leaders control over areas like transport, housing, and economic development, requiring skilled stakeholder engagement and true partnership working. The sector demands leaders who think beyond their organisations and collaborate across sectors.
Gaining systems leadership experience and knowledge
Systems leadership requires unique skills to navigate complex challenges and drive collaborative solutions. Key skills include understanding system interconnections, fostering inquiry, promoting reflective learning, and proactive problem-solving. Adaptability, relationship-building, communicating a shared vision, and empowering others are crucial.
Aspiring leaders can develop these skills through various means.
• Cross-sector collaboration helps aspiring leaders understand system interactions and navigate collaborative complexities. By working on projects that involve multiple stakeholders, aspiring leaders can develop a deeper understanding of how different parts of the system interact and how to navigate the complexities of collaborative working.
• Mentoring and networking are crucial. Aspiring leaders should seek mentors who exemplify systems leadership and build networks with peers across sectors to share experiences and develop new approaches. By connecting with others who are facing similar challenges, aspiring leaders can share experiences, exchange ideas, and develop new approaches to systems leadership.
• On-the-job learning is essential. Taking on roles or projects that require working across boundaries and managing complex issues provides invaluable experience.
Shaping tomorrow's leaders, today
Aspiring leaders should grab the concept of systems leadership, using every opportunity to build their skills and contribute to positive outcomes. Developing and evidencing these skills will create a clear pathway for those who have ambition to lead within and across sectors. GatenbySanderson's purpose to shape a better society means we constantly assess and deliver leadership development programmes to support leaders in driving positive change. We have some advice for future leaders.
During an executive search process, showcase collaborative achievements. Highlight impactful cross-sector initiatives, demonstrate system interaction understanding, and provide examples of adaptability and change management. How has a shared vision been communicated and how has it aligned with external stakeholders?
Embracing systems leadership enhances career prospects and contributes to resilient, effective public service delivery. The need for skilled systems leaders will grow. By investing in development and demonstrating capabilities, aspiring leaders can shape the future of local government and create lasting change.
HR teams and current leaders should also look to assess the behaviours needed to succeed in a system-led environment where driving results across every stakeholder has to take priority over organisational benefit. How does your current assessment benchmark these critical behaviours? Our unique leadership model, Altitude, assesses individual leaders against these dimensions, comparing results across all leaders in public life.
In these times of significant change, the need for skilled and adaptable leaders has never been greater. Our mission is to support leaders like you in navigating the complexities of modern governance and driving positive change in your organisations and communities.
Totally committed to all corners of the public sector, our teams have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities you all face and all our services are personalised to meet your unique personal and organisational needs.
Whether you're looking to advance your career, find interim leadership solutions, or enhance your organisation's leadership capabilities, we are here to help. Let's work together to shape a better future.
Frazer Thouard is head of GatenbySanderson's local government practice
