A team of the UNSW Business School academics at the Business Insights Institute—Bradley Hastings, Shayne Gary, Christopher Jackson, Christian Criado-Perez, Ann Cahill, Batoul Hodroj, and Giovanni Cunico—have authored a detailed review on leadership for the Queensland Public Sector (QPS). Published as part of our project with the Australia and New Zealand School of Governance for the QPS, this work explores how leadership practices in the public sector can be improved to meet contemporary challenges.
Key insights and recommendations
The review examines the effectiveness of current leadership development approaches within QPS. The authors recommend moving away from traditional, linear leadership models and adopting the Wallace 2D framework. This framework offers a more flexible and fair approach, helping to break down barriers that may hinder emerging leaders.
Embracing open and dynamic leadership models
By integrating more open and dynamic leadership models, organisations can cultivate leaders who are better equipped to navigate complex environments, drive innovation, and respond to the evolving needs of their teams and stakeholders. The review also highlights the importance of embracing technology in leadership training, which can enhance learning outcomes and better prepare leaders for the digital age.
Fostering a welcoming work environment
Additionally, the report emphasises the benefits of fostering a welcoming work environment where varied perspectives are valued and leveraged. For organisations, this approach can lead to more creative problem-solving, stronger team dynamics, and greater overall resilience in the face of challenges.
Looking ahead: developing a comprehensive leadership strategy
This interim review is the first phase of a broader initiative to develop a comprehensive leadership strategy tailored to the needs of QPS. The final goal is to build a leadership framework that not only strengthens public sector leadership but also sets a benchmark for other sectors to follow.
If your organisation is looking to strengthen leadership programs, contact us to learn how we can help.
