Leadership and innovation are drivers of success in good governance

Leadership is vital to improve our world which is influenced by human connectivity, borderless economies and global competition, said John Wilkins, Head of Thematic Programmes Group in the Governance and Institutional Development Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

He was addressing participants at the Commonwealth Advanced Seminar on Leadership and Change in the Public Sector, held in partnership with Victoria University of Wellington and New Zealand Agency for International Development from 9 to 20 March 2009.

Mr Wilkins said the essence of leadership is a commitment to nation-building and making a difference and changing lives for the better for citizens and communities. He stressed that leadership and innovation are the drivers of success in good governance, which is instrumental in motivating and managing public service delivery.

“Developing a shared understanding of leadership among leaders and followers is essential to maintaining continuous organisational development and succession planning,” said Mr Wilkins. “A new brand of leadership exercising strategic competencies, including continuous learning and improvement, is needed. Skills such as the ability to lead, inspire, delegate, oversee teams and manage conflicts are important. Both technical and people skills, work ethics and knowledge are critical for the transformation of organisations and for attaining high productivity and effectiveness.”

The programme will explore how different countries tackle dilemmas arising from efforts to improve the delivery of public services, develop capable civil services, decentralise decision-making and foster good governance.

Secretariat Links:

• Governance
• Country Profile: New Zealand