If you’ve found this article, chances are you considering running
for local government in 2024. You might just be curious about being a candidate
or already completely committed to becoming a councillor. Either way, deciding
to nominate in the election is a significant personal decision, and we're here
to support you every step of the way.
In this article, we explore the key areas where you should
have clarity and resolve before putting your name on the ballot paper. This
includes knowing your personal motivation, clarifying your values, and
evaluating your skills—essential components that will form the foundation of
your civic leadership. By exploring these aspects, you will gain a clearer
picture of what it means to be a councillor and how you can effectively serve
your community.
At the heart of being a local councillor is servant
leadership. This is a philosophy that prioritises the needs of the community
and the wellbeing of others above personal ambition or power. This leadership
approach is particularly relevant in the context of local government because councillors
make decisions in the best interest of the community. So, discovering what
drives you to serve your community is a vital first step.
Spend some time exploring your personal motivations. Think
deeply about what is motivating you to serve your community. Is it a desire to
improve local infrastructure, address environmental concerns or revitalise the
sense of belonging in your community? Consider the issues that matter most to
you and your community, and why these issues are important to you.
Your motivation should reflect your unique perspective and
experiences, and it should be anchored in making a difference in your
community. Having a purpose outside yourself will bolster your performance and
impact.
Being a local councillor requires commitment to civic values
such as honesty, integrity, transparency and inclusivity. Embracing civic
values means prioritising the common good over personal gain and making
decisions that are fair, just, and beneficial for the whole community and for
future generations.
Civic values are not just ideals - they are practical tools that underpin
ethical leadership and robust decision making processes.
Knowing your own core values and how these align with civic
values is essential for any elected leader. Your values are the guiding
principles that shape your decisions and actions. They inspire trust and
credibility in your leadership.
To define your core values, start by reflecting
on the principles that guide your daily life and professional interactions.
What are the three core values that are non-negotiable for you?
Consider
how these values manifest in your actions. If honesty is a core value, how do
you demonstrate honesty in your current roles? If inclusivity is important, how
have you worked to ensure diverse voices are heard and respected?
Focusing on the skills needed for civic leadership is also important.
Many professional and life skills are transferable to the role of a councillor,
but some need to be learned and practised.
Begin by taking an inventory of your skills. Reflect on your
strengths and areas of expertise. What do you excel at in your current roles?
Are you a skilled communicator, a strategic thinker, or an adept
problem-solver? Identifying these strengths will help you leverage them
effectively in your role as a councillor.
Consider also the skills specific to the responsibilities of
a councillor. These might include understanding public policy, managing
budgets, engaging with the community, and negotiating with stakeholders.
Evaluate how your existing skills match up against these expectations. If there
are gaps, think about how you can bridge them through learning and practice.
Making the decision to run for local government is a big
decision for most people. It requires a deep commitment to public service and a
readiness to engage with complex and sometimes contentious issues.
Synthesize your insights. Consider the motivations, values,
and skills you have identified.
Are you ready to take the plunge?
If not, then we encourage you to sign up for our seven day
candidate launchpad where we guide you through a daily challenge that will
align your leadership potential with the realities of being a councillor.
The launchpad includes exploring
your motivations, values and skills as we have discussed here, as well as
considering your time and capacity, support networks and knowledge gaps. Being
clear on all these elements will help you decide if running in the election is
the right decision for you right now.
Sign up here for
7 day candidate launchpad here 