Leading with Integrity, Humility, and Vision: High Road Leadership in Local Government
- truthaboutlocalgov
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
In today’s increasingly complex and divided world, leadership is more than a position—it’s a responsibility. For those serving in local government, the stakes are high. Communities rely on their leaders not just for services, but for trust, fairness, and vision. In his book High Road Leadership, John C. Maxwell offers a compelling framework for leadership that is deeply relevant to public service. His call to lead with integrity, humility, and vision resonates strongly with the values that underpin effective local governance.
What Is High Road Leadership?
Maxwell defines High Road Leadership as a conscious choice to lead with character, compassion, and connection. It’s not the easiest path, but it’s the most rewarding. He writes, “Leadership can be a blessing or a curse. It can help people rise up to a better life, or it can cause people to fall into despair” . High Road Leadership is about choosing the path that uplifts others, even when it’s harder.
Maxwell contrasts three types of leadership:
Low Road Leadership: Driven by ego, manipulation, and self-interest.
Middle Road Leadership: Passive, reactive, and often indecisive.
High Road Leadership: Intentional, values-driven, and people-focused.
For local government officers, the high road is not just a moral choice—it’s a strategic one. Communities thrive when their leaders are trustworthy, empathetic, and visionary.
Integrity: The Foundation of Trust
Integrity is the cornerstone of High Road Leadership. Maxwell asserts,
“A good leader does the right things for the right reasons”.
In local government, where decisions affect lives daily—from housing and education to public safety—integrity is non-negotiable.
Integrity means:
Transparency in decision-making
Consistency between words and actions
Accountability for mistakes
Local government officers often face scrutiny. By leading with integrity, they build public trust and foster civic engagement. Maxwell reminds us, “Everything rises and falls on leadership”. When leaders act with integrity, communities rise.
Humility: Acknowledging Our Humanity
Humility is not weakness—it’s strength under control. Maxwell encourages leaders to “acknowledge your humanness”. In public service, humility allows leaders to listen, learn, and adapt. It fosters collaboration and reduces conflict.
Humility in leadership looks like:
Listening to diverse voices
Admitting when you're wrong
Valuing others’ contributions
Maxwell shares the story of General Robert E. Lee, who endorsed a rival despite personal attacks. When asked why, Lee replied, “I understand that the President wanted to know my opinion of Whiting, not his opinion of me”. This is humility in action—choosing respect over retaliation.
For local government officers, humility builds bridges. It helps leaders connect with constituents, colleagues, and critics alike.
Vision: Seeing Beyond the Present
Vision is the ability to see what could be, not just what is. Maxwell writes, “Live by the bigger picture” . High Road Leaders don’t just manage—they inspire. They see potential in people and possibilities in problems.
In local government, vision means:
Planning for long-term community wellbeing
Innovating in service delivery
Championing inclusive growth
Visionary leaders ask, “What legacy am I leaving?” They align daily decisions with future goals. Maxwell’s principle, “Desire the best for others,” reminds us that leadership is about service, not self .
The 12 Practices of High Road Leadership
Maxwell outlines twelve practices that define High Road Leaders. Each offers practical guidance for local government officers:
Bring People Together: Foster unity across departments, communities, and political divides.
Value All People: Treat every resident with dignity, regardless of background.
Acknowledge Your Humanness: Lead with authenticity and vulnerability.
Do the Right Thing for the Right Reasons: Make ethical decisions, even when unpopular.
Give More Than You Take: Serve generously, without expecting rewards.
Develop Emotional Capacity: Stay calm under pressure and respond with empathy.
Place People Above Your Own Agenda: Prioritise community needs over personal ambition.
Embrace Authenticity: Be genuine in communication and conduct.
Be Accountable for Your Actions: Own mistakes and learn from them.
Live by the Bigger Picture: Keep long-term goals in focus.
Don’t Keep Score: Avoid petty rivalries and focus on collective success.
Desire the Best for Others: Champion others’ growth and wellbeing.
These practices are not abstract ideals—they are actionable behaviours. For local government officers, they offer a roadmap to becoming not just effective, but exceptional leaders.
Applying High Road Leadership in Local Government
Let’s explore how these principles translate into everyday public service.
1. Community Engagement
High Road Leaders prioritise connection. They hold town halls, listen actively, and respond transparently. They don’t just inform—they involve. This builds trust and ensures policies reflect real needs.
2. Ethical Governance
Integrity guides budgeting, procurement, and policy-making. Leaders who “do the right thing for the right reasons” avoid corruption and promote fairness .
3. Team Leadership
In council offices, humility fosters collaboration. Leaders who “acknowledge their humanness” create safe spaces for innovation and feedback .
4. Crisis Management
During emergencies, emotional capacity is vital. High Road Leaders remain calm, communicate clearly, and act decisively. They “place people above their own agenda” to protect public welfare .
5. Strategic Planning
Visionary leaders “live by the bigger picture.” They invest in infrastructure, sustainability, and education—not just for today, but for generations to come .
Challenges and Opportunities
High Road Leadership is not without challenges. It demands courage, patience, and resilience. In politically charged environments, choosing the high road may feel lonely. But Maxwell insists, “High-road leaders take the road less travelled” .
The reward? A legacy of trust, impact, and transformation.
Local government officers have a unique opportunity. By embracing High Road Leadership, they can:
Heal divisions
Empower communities
Model ethical governance
Maxwell’s vision is clear: “I want more for you than from you”. This mindset transforms leadership from authority to service.
Final Thoughts
John Maxwell’s High Road Leadership is more than a book—it’s a call to action. For local government officers, it offers a powerful framework to lead with integrity, humility, and vision. In a time when public trust is fragile, High Road Leadership can restore faith in governance and inspire a new generation of civic leaders.
As Maxwell reminds us, “Leadership rises when leaders possess good leadership skills and good values. It falls when leaders’ skills or values are poor” .
The high road is not the easiest path—but it is the most honourable. Let us choose it.
