Public leadership

14 October 2026The problem with short-term thinkingScared people play small. 15 September 2026Why Strategy Fails (and How to Make It Real)Alicia appears on Thriving Leaders podcast with Claire Gray 4 September 2026When we govern by means, we neglect the endsYou can't shrink your way to value. Here's what we get wrong about the public service. 22 July 2026The irreconcilable tensions of public leadershipIf you work in the public sector, embrace the frustration. The system is working exactly as designed. 6 May 2026The tension is the engineWhy unresolved conflict may be the thing that keeps a life alive. 4 February 2026Stop trying to agree with everyoneWhat Councils have taught me about making decisions under pressure. 31 October 2025NSW local government professionals become Strategic Public Leaders in SydneyLocal government managers from across NSW came together for two days of strategic leadership training with Alicia McKay - in partnership with LGPro NSW. 22 October 2025Politicians deserve more creditReflections from Mayor School. 21 July 2025Local government is back in the firing lineThey don't want reform, they want rates-capping. This is a bad idea, but it will play well in the 2026 election. 13 December 2024How to be popular with voters and achieve nothingHint: its being a rock-throwing jerk. 9 December 2024In defence of the bureaucratSpare a thought for your local public servant. Taking the boot out of the public sector, volume 3 6 December 2024The difference between private and public valueYour retort to "you'd never run a business like this!". Taking the boot out of the public sector volume 2. 4 December 2024Public service isn't inefficient, it's complex - there's a differenceLet's shatter the myth that the private sector would do government projects faster or cheaper: they don't. 12 September 2024The difference between the public and private sectorIn this video, learn the differences between public and private sector operating models. Discover why getting things done in the public sector is slower and more complex than producing outcomes in private business. 27 August 2024Council Induction Masterclass - 27 August 2024Join Alicia McKay for an online masterclass about Council inductions - recording inside! 9 August 2024Eiffel Tower leadershipEiffel Tower leadership is bold, innovative and willing to endure short-term pushback for long-term gain. 1 August 2024Local LegendsThe essential guide to local government leadership for Councillors and Council managers. 14 March 2024The paradox of public leadership (or: just give them the damn picnic table)Are you putting the wrong thing first and letting bureaucracy stand in the way of public outcomes? 21 January 2024How to ask bigger questionsMost people ask small questions, so they make small-time progress. Learn to ask big questions for bolder choices and better results. 20 September 2022Greater Wellington Regional Council: Strategic Public LeadersOver 100 Greater Wellington Regional Council managers have enjoyed Strategic Public Leaders training with Alicia McKay.