THE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF TOWN/PARISH CLERKS

PRESENTATION

By

TRACEY WEAVER

July 2012

Source: Leadership Quotes, 2011

Agenda Reason for study

Dissertation aims & objectives

Literature review

Hypotheses and Research

Methodology

Results Conclusion/Recommendations

Questions

Reasons for Study

Personal development

Understanding the leadership function in the clerks role

Guidance and standardisation

What is Leadership?

Northouse (2003: 3) defines leadership as “a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common

goal”

Dissertation Aims & Objectives Aim – To establish that leadership is a recognised

function in the role of a town/parish clerk.

Objectives – Research leadership theories Leadership qualities in the role of a clerk Leadership resources To provide guidance

Literature Review

Leadership

Role of the town/parish clerk

Leadership theories and styles “leaders and followers make each other advance to a higher level of moral and

motivation." (Burns: 1978).

Servant-leadership vs Leadership

“It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to

lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an

unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme

types. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature.”

(Greenleaf, 1970).

Hypotheses

“Town/parish clerks have a servant-leadership role within town/parish councils”

Research Questions

The importance of leadership in the role of the clerk

Is leadership in the role of the clerk recognised by councils

Leadership qualities of the clerk

Is there a lack of resources

Research Methodology Secondary research

Primary research

- Quantitative questionnaire

- Qualitative interviews

- Comparison study of clerks job descriptions

10.00%

6.25%

11.25%

20.00%

25.00%

0%

8.75%

18.75%

Map showing the Geographical Representation of Responses from each District in Devon.

A total of 81 response were received out 357.

Devon County Council, 2011

Initial Research Results

Do you think leadership is important in the role of a

town/parish clerk?

Is leadership mentioned in your job description?

73%

23%

4%

yes

no

did not answer

85%

10% 5%

yes

no

did not answer

“The Clerk has great influence of knowledge and time spent and if used with tact Members will be influenced.”

(Respondent No. 4).

“Sometimes it is necessary to lead and guide the Parish Council to achieve the goals they have set.” (Respondent

No. 9).

“The council leads; I try to influence them to do the right thing efficiently, but not by leading.” (Respondent No. 67).

“As the 'expert' resource to the Council and the responsible officer there are many instances where you need to steer/guide/lead on policy/projects/planning etc

and have the long term vision too.” (Respondent No. 23).

Importance of Leadership

Which of the following qualities do you think makes a good leader?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Hones

ty

Confid

ence

Knowled

geab

le

Intellig

ence

Ability

Listene

r

Doing

Strong

Fairn

ess

Vision

Respe

ct

Willi

ngne

ss

Compa

ssion

ate

People

orien

tated

Take

critic

ism/adv

ice

Enthu

siasm

Comply w

ith ru

les and

proc

edures

Passio

n

Motiva

ting othe

rs

Inno

vativ

e

Do you think there are enough resources on leadership to help town/parish clerks?

Gov

ernm

ent

Gui

danc

e

Pub

lishe

dLi

tera

ture

Tra

inin

g0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Not relevant

No

Yes

Conclusion/Recommendations Standardised job description.

leadership programmes to include the first tier of local government.

Specific training on leadership within the sector

The SLCC, ILCM, UOG and NALC to continue further studies including:

- is leadership viable and relevant to all P&T clerks. - do elected members recognise leadership within the P&T clerk’s role. - should there be more training on leadership available to local councils.

Discussion/Questions

Source: Cheshire Home Choice, 2011

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[Accessed 13/01/12]

Cox, B. (2010) Leading and following together – leading leadership and leading leaders, International Journal of Leadership in Public Services. Vol. 6, Issue 1, 14-17.

 Drucker, P. F. (1997) The leader of the future: New visions, strategies, and practices for the next era. Jossey-Bass: San

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