Effective Leadership is the topic of this first show which features Gillian Hibberd, Corporate Director (People and Policy) at Buckinghamshire County Council and Jack Hegarty, Managing Director of Wychavon District Council.
To listen to the podcast, click the grey arrow below.
Gillian started her career in retail with the Kingfisher Group, but quickly moved into the Public Sector to take advantage of the excellent training opportunities available. During her career, she has held HR positions at Oldham, Decorum BC, LB Hackney and Hertfordshire CC, before joining Buckinghamshire CC. Gillian and her team have recently won an award for Innovation in HR and she is also the Lead Officer for Leadership for the PPMA (Public Sector People Managers Association).
In this interview, Gillian explains what makes a good leader and shares some advice on how to set up a leadership development programme. (Interview length 10:51 minutes).
Her advice includes:
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DEVELOP YOUR OWN KNOWLEDGE ON THE SUBJECT - conduct ‘organisational raids’, read relevant texts - for example ’Good to Great’ by Jim Collins Attend conferences and training events and be confident about your knowledge
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CARRY OUT A DIAGNOSTIC PHASE - then tailor your programme to your organisation’s individual needs. A helpful publication is available from The Leadership Centre
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SAY WHAT IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT - explain what will be better as a result of the programme
For more information on Gillian’s work you can contact her at ghibberd@buckscc.gov.uk or call her on 01296 383127.
The second interview is with Jack Hegarty, MD at Wychavon District Council. Jack has spent his career in Local Government. A planner by profession, he joined Wychavon to rescue a failing planning department. Following his success in this position, Jack was asked to take on the role of Managing Director. After shadowing his predecessor for 12 months, he took up his new post in April 2004. Recently, Jack has been named ’Best Leader’ in The Times Best Council To Work For Survey this, combined with other accolades bestowed on the Council, including LGC Council of The Year 2007, speaks volumes for Jacks Leadership skill.
Jack describes his views on ‘Effective Leadership’ and what approaches work for him. He also shares tips on how to spot leadership talent. (Interview length 14:06 minutes).
Jack’s winning formula includes:
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HAVE CLARITY OF VISION - for yourself and the organisation, make sure everybody understands the core vision and values
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BE HIGHLY VISIBLE, INCLUSIVE AND APPROACHABLE - spend a lot of time with staff and have empathy with them, happy employees deliver a better service
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GAIN RESPECT - achieve this through what you do
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LEADERS EMERGE - look for the potential in someone and point them in the right direction. They will need the ability to take strong decisions, balanced with desire to ensure that the organisation goes with them
To find out more about Jack, visit www.wychavon.gov.uk or contact him on 01306 565000.
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I would love to hear your feedback and any suggestions for further shows. Either email me directly at karen@publicsectorhrpodcast.co.uk or click on ‘Comment’ underneath the show title and type away.
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