Developing Leadership

In the New Zealand State sector, the career possibilities are vast and the paths to leadership positions varied. A number of current chief executives began their careers on the frontline of State sector organisations and have moved across organisations to develop the necessary skills.

Recognising the need to develop home grown leadership capability within the State sector, the Senior Leadership and Management Development (SLMD) Strategy was formed in 2003 by the State Services Commissioner and State sector organisation chief executives.

The SLMD strategy aims to prepare leaders for the future State sector. The Leadership Capability Profile was developed to reflect what we may reasonably assume about the strategic direction, operating environment and government expectations in the future.

The operating environment of the State sector is shaped by a range of diverse and often conflicting or competing factors that have an impact on New Zealand�s social and economic performance, and on its cultural life and physical environment. It is in this context that State sector leaders are challenged to demonstrate high ethical standards and shared values to perform well by doing the right things, at the right time in the right way, capitalising on technology, investing in the future, and encouraging both innovation and collaboration to achieve results for New Zealanders.

The Leadership Development Centre (LDC) offers management and leadership development services � primarily for mid to late career management oriented State servants, such as senior technical specialists aspiring to management, mid senior level managers and chief executives.

The Australia New Zealand School of Government (ANZSoG) offers an Executive Master of Public Administration for mid career State servants and a shorter, concentrated Executive Fellow programme (modelled on the Henley and Harvard approaches) for senior leaders and chief executives. Participation in these programmes is by nomination from chief executives and the State Services Commissioner, and funded by individual organisations.