Everyone steps up in their career at some point.

At Tile Hill, ambition is one of our values, reflected in our support for the Rising Star nominees in this year's The MJ Awards and many future talent development programmes across various local government service areas.

The sector itself hums with opportunities for growth, with a wealth of sector-wide and service specific development initiatives, shared learning, networks, and mentoring programmes. Stepping up? You won't be doing it alone.

But, let's be honest, local government is not always forgiving. The spotlight of transparency shines brightly with political, public and media scrutiny ever-present. A close community is supportive, but it can also be exposing.

The Great Resignation and leadership gap have opened doors, but don't let ambition cloud your judgment. Be kind to yourself and ask, ‘am I truly ready?' This isn't just about individual skills; it's about ensuring the right conditions exist for your success.

Does the organisation foster a culture of learning and development? Is there a structured onboarding process? Will they invest in your growth? And how broad is your network, both work and personal? Will it offer you caution as well as encouragement and support? Seek mentors, connect with peers, and build relationships that can be your sounding board and your safety net.

Remember, ambition is admirable, but it thrives alongside self-awareness and careful career planning. While the opportunities are there, a considered and well supported step up is crucial for thriving in the demanding yet rewarding world of local government.

Remember, success isn't just about reaching the top; but ensuring you have the tools and support to stay there, to feel happy and fulfilled, while contributing meaningfully to the communities you serve.

Greg Hayes is a director at Tile Hill Executive Recruitment

This article is sponsored content for The MJ