Find inspiration to lead in an unpredictable time

As we emerge into a post-pandemic world, other events are unfolding. The cost of living and mental health crises, the war in Ukraine, and the refugee and climate emergencies sit alongside the day-to-day pressures of inadequate resources and staffing, and understanding the fast-changing policy agenda in children’s services. It is overwhelming.

What can a leader do? Start small and start with you. Get yourself off the metaphorical dancefloor. Make your way to the balcony, find a space, sit down. Do anything which separates you from the hurly burly of what is going on. If you stay in the thick of things, you can’t lead effectively. Make space to think, reflect, return to your values and plan.

Who can you talk with to make sense of what is happening and the next steps? My cat is the keeper of some of my work angst but does not help me think things through. A good coach is worth every penny, and you don’t always have to pay. Many organisations have access to local or regional coaching pools such as the Coaching and Mentoring Hub run by West Midlands Employers. It will help you think through and frame issues, find clarity about next steps and the courage to take them; help you hold yourself to account.

Talk to people who know the sector – trade ideas, pick people’s brains, listen, see what others are doing. There’s a mass of peer support available for local government colleagues through the regional improvement and innovation alliances. Join the peer networks – and if there isn’t one, reach out and contact some colleagues. If you are working in a sector that doesn’t have something similar, use social networks, training events and conferences. Now more than ever you need to connect.

Action learning sets are brilliant spaces to come together, using storytelling, listening, questioning and reflection to help each other find a way through tricky times.

Where are your allies? Locally you may have created new networks in the pandemic – some may still work in this new era. You might need some new people or find new groups. Who is going to help you? If you are feeling overwhelmed and unsure, so are they.

Look in different industries and cultures and think about people who inspire you – real or imagined, alive or dead. If you could ask them what they’d do, what would they say? Get diverse perspectives to help you look at your challenges differently.

Any one of these sources of help will enable you to find the bravery and inspiration to identify next steps. Using a combination of these over the next few months will give you energy and support. Try them.

• Jo Davidson, associate, the Staff College