Sitting down to write this article made me sit back and reflect over my many years’ experience working in and with the public sector, and local government in particular.

During that time I have been privileged to work with a number of individuals who in particular moments of immense challenge displayed great leadership, and then with some where the leadership style was less appropriate for the specific environment at that time.

My considerations have led me to the conclusion that leaders in the public sector, and local government particularly, now face an increasingly complex environment in which they must try to deliver the sustainability of basic public services. At a time of financial contraction and social uncertainty the question on my mind is; what will great leadership look like in a world that is rapidly downsizing?