As the October council elections approach in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, local council executives face unique challenges. These leaders must balance day-to-day operations with the demands of the political landscape, navigating governance, public opinion, and fiscal responsibility—all under heightened scrutiny.
The Pressure of Election Season
During election time, council executives experience intensified public scrutiny. Voters are keenly focused on how effectively councils have addressed key issues like infrastructure, public services, and sustainability. Unfortunately, this scrutiny can sometimes be based on opinion rather than informed understanding, leading to criticism that can be harsh or unwarranted.
In both NSW and Victoria, the urban-rural divide adds complexity, as communities have diverse needs. Executives, often visible and active community members, find that small errors are amplified, while significant achievements may go unnoticed.
Balancing Priorities
Council executives must make decisions that align with long-term strategies while also addressing immediate community concerns. This balancing act requires careful consideration of competing priorities.
In this politically charged environment, maintaining neutrality is crucial. Council executives are expected to be non-political, even though they often possess deep insights into what has worked or not worked in collaboration with councillors. With councillors gearing up for re-election, executives must navigate their communications and actions carefully, ensuring they are viewed as impartial and focused on administrative duties. This neutrality is often challenged, as council decisions can be interpreted through a political lens.
Financial Oversight and Transparency
Financial management comes under particular scrutiny during election campaigns. Executives may feel pressure to justify budget allocations, public spending, or rate increases. This is especially relevant in the context of tightening budgets in both states and rising operational costs for regional communities. Effective stewardship of resources is essential; it’s not enough for decisions to be sound—there must also be transparency. A misstep, like a poorly explained project cost, can quickly become political fodder.
Public Relations and Community Engagement
Senior council leaders are often at the forefront of public relations and crisis management. Whether addressing community complaints, managing crises such as natural disasters, or communicating the council’s achievements, executives play a crucial role in shaping public perception. Engaging the community during elections is vital to maintaining trust.
Leadership Development Consultant Reflections
As we consider the individuals running for council positions, it’s important to recognise the complexity of the work involved and the good intentions of our leaders. Acknowledging their challenges and expressing gratitude can foster a more supportive environment.
This caretaker period invites us to reflect on what we want from our councillors while also appreciating the efforts of current leaders. Our thoughtful engagement with elected and administrative leaders not only influences the immediate success of councils but also shapes the future of leadership and the overall wellbeing of our communities.
Here are my top leadership development consulting tips when navigating this pre-election period:
- Maintain Political Neutrality: Remain politically impartial, focusing on administrative duties and avoid any actions that could favour a particular candidate or party.
- Clearly Communicate Organisational Vision and Values: Ensure a thorough understanding of your council’s vision, purpose, and core values. Being clear on who you are what you stand for will make it easier for newly elected councillors to align with the council’s direction and goals. This will foster a shared understanding and enable effective collaboration in achieving your councils objectives.
- Focus on Long-Term Goals: Continue to prioritise long-term strategies and initiatives. Keep in mind that short-term community concerns should be addressed within the context of these broader goals.
- Effective Community Engagement: Strengthen community relationships by actively engaging with the public, sharing information about council projects and programs, and responding promptly to community inquiries and complaints.
- Maintain Consistency: Ensure consistency in services and decision-making throughout the election period. This will provide stability for staff and the community during a potentially uncertain time.
- Provide Guidance and Support: Offer leadership and guidance to staff members who may be uncertain about their roles or responsibilities during the election period. Provide support and resources as needed.
- Plan Ahead: Anticipate potential challenges or crises that may arise during the election period. Develop a plan for managing these situations effectively.
- Prioritise Staff Wellbeing: Ensure that staff members are supported. Prioritise wellbeing, especially during times of increased pressure and scrutiny.
- Evaluate Progress: Regularly evaluate progress on key council initiatives, projects, and programs. Share these evaluations with the community and staff to demonstrate the council’s commitment to achieving its goals.
- Maintain Open Communication: Keep communication open and honest among council members, staff, and the community. Encourage feedback and open dialogue.
If you are seeking additional support during this time, please head to our regional council page to download leadership development consultant resources tailored to the context of council. These resources can help with organisational change management and culture change strategy implementation.
