This is the fifth post in our GovLoop May Blog series, exploring how to break down silos in government. Our first post focused on the “trusted leader” and the traits required for leadership across government. Our second post explored collaboration strategies on your team. Last week, we looked out to the future, and how to recruit the next generation of public servants and the need to use multiple channels for customer service. This week we look at what kind of skills future leaders need to have to excel in government. With the Baby Boomers about to retire, it’s time to think about the skills and traits needed for the next generation of leaders.
Three core competencies that I have identified below are skilled collaborator, risk taker, and managing failure. I would love to hear the qualities that you believe are important for the next generation of employees.
Skilled Collaborators
In order to be able to work across government, employees need to demonstrate an ability to effectively collaborate. The next generation of employees are already use high levels of collaboration with technology that has emerged in the past few years, this will likely carry over into their careers.
Risk Taking
Taking risks and trying new ideas will be important for the next generation of government. Although the current financial state is perilous, there is a lot of room for innovation. Future leaders will be successful if they are not afraid to try something new, break the mold and test out new ideas.
Accepts Failure
One of my favorite Bob Dylan quotes is “there is no success like failure, but failure’s no success at all,” that is a perfect way to sum up this trait. A future leader needs to be motivated to try new things, accept when they don’t work, pull themselves up and try again.
Government is growing in complexity, as we become more and more connected, there are more interests that need to be met. In order for government to become versatile to meet the often changing interests of citizens, there are many traits that a leader will have to possess.
What are some traits that you believe are needed?