The job that defies definition. This is the sentiment of Sir John Boynton, the first president of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, 50 years ago. I read his insights on 23 January 2006, my first day as chief executive at North Kesteven DC. Sir John's book Job at the Top sat on a shelf in my new office, alongside the council's constitution, the 1972 Local Government Act, and a guide to North Kesteven!

It was a scary and yet liberating moment. On the one hand, there was no manual, no rule book, no blueprint for this gig. On the other, I'd just been presented with a blank canvas, an opportunity to paint my own picture.