5 Qualities of an Effective Public Service Leader

Leading is tough everywhere, but it can feel extra daunting in the public sector—especially for women looking to make waves in the political arena. 

Successful elected officials share these five key qualities that make them top-notch leaders and effective public servants. Which of these do you embody in your everyday life?

1. They’re motivators

Public representatives are often faced with increased workloads and added stress due to declining resources. They are then tasked with motivating and encouraging their staff and the people around them in a challenging and sometimes combative environment. However, good leaders can shift attitudes for the better without promising things they can’t deliver or leveraging fear. Instead, great leaders foster supportive atmospheres and encourage creative approaches to problem-solving. They communicate effectively and efficiently to build trust in their leadership abilities and create buy-in from all stakeholders. 

2. They’re good listeners

Good leaders must be able to communicate a vision and interact productively with a diverse and ever-changing workforce and citizenry in a way that inspires action. One of the most powerful ways to inspire action–and  one of the hardest–is to listen. When good leaders sincerely listen to the needs and challenges of their communities, they can respond effectively and bring about the greatest change.

3. They’re trustworthy

Trustworthiness is built upon integrity and character. People trust and follow leaders who exude the types of behaviors they value themselves. Building trust can take time and is no easy task, but is well worth the effort. Identifying what their base or team values can help create a shared vision to work toward achieving a goal. When people trust leaders and value their integrity, they tend to be more open to new ideas.  

4. They’re critical thinkers

An effective public service leader can work swiftly through a crisis while taking the time that they need to make an educated decision. Solving critical issues and affecting the greatest change requires careful consideration and analysis of the evidence before formulating a decision, so having strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills is essential to the job. In addition, good leaders surround themselves with people who know more than they do in specific areas or can challenge them to think through different scenarios. 

5. They’re resilient 

In the world of public policy and governance, the only constant is change. Budgets get cut, resources are diminished, people come and go. However, leaders must be able to respond accordingly and continue to produce results in an ever-evolving landscape. Good leaders assume these challenges and develop alternative solutions, remaining positive during difficult times. Most importantly, they encourage confidence in their team and constituents so, they too, will remain responsive at the most crucial times.

Leading in the public sector, especially for women, is no easy feat, but embodying these five qualities can make a significant difference and help you navigate the complexities of politics to inspire meaningful change. Reflect on which of these attributes you bring to the table and how you can further develop them to become a beacon of progress and inspiration for those around you. 

Wait, there’s more! You can identify these skills and more in our Skill Identification Worksheet. Here you can dig deeper into what skills you possess and how you can apply them to the work you’re doing in your community.