Thriving as a First-Time Manager in Local Government: A Practical Guide

Stepping into a management role in local government for the first time is both an exciting and daunting experience. The responsibilities are significant, the public scrutiny is real, and the impact of your decisions can be far-reaching. But with the right mindset, tools and support, you can not only survive but thrive in this new chapter of your career.

Understand the Landscape

Local government is a unique environment. Unlike the private sector, success is not measured solely by profit margins but by public value, community trust and service delivery. As a new manager, it is essential to understand the political, social and organisational context in which you operate.

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One of the most important relationships you will manage is with elected officials. As the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) notes, “Nothing is more important to elected officials than being able to demonstrate effectiveness to their constituents. Show them that the best way to get things done is by working through you”[1].

Build Strong Relationships

Your success will depend heavily on your ability to build and maintain relationships — with your team, your peers, senior leaders and councillors. Trust, transparency and communication are the cornerstones of effective leadership.

“Develop a reservoir of goodwill before a potentially divisive issue needs to be confronted,” advises the ICMA. This means investing time in understanding others’ perspectives, being visible and approachable, and demonstrating integrity in all your dealings.

Embrace Ethical Leadership

Ethics are not optional in public service. You will be expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, fairness and accountability. Familiarise yourself with your council’s code of conduct and the Nolan Principles of Public Life, which include selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

As one experienced manager put it, “Mistakes can be forgiven, violation of trust usually cannot”. Always act in a way that earns and maintains the trust of your colleagues and the public.

Learn to Navigate Politics

While you are not a politician, you are working in a political environment. Understanding the political dynamics of your council — including the priorities of elected members and the pressures they face — will help you navigate your role more effectively. Avoid being drawn into political disputes. Instead, focus on providing sound, evidence-based advice and implementing decisions with professionalism and neutrality.

Prioritise Communication

Clear, consistent and timely communication is vital. Whether you are briefing councillors, updating your team or engaging with the public, your ability to convey information effectively will shape perceptions and outcomes. “It’s tempting to judge a meeting’s success based on the decisions made,” says the ICMA, “but ultimately the manager and staff should judge the success of the meeting based on what role they played in placing the council in the best possible position to make an informed choice”.

Invest in Your Team

Your team is your greatest asset. Take time to understand their strengths, aspirations and development needs. Create a culture of openness, learning and mutual respect.

The Local Government Association (LGA) highlights the importance of a “constructive performance management culture” built on trust, openness and a willingness to admit and learn from mistakes. Encourage feedback, celebrate successes and support continuous improvement.

Manage Performance with Purpose

Performance management is not about ticking boxes. It is about ensuring that your team’s work aligns with the council’s goals and delivers real value to the community.

Use data and evidence to track progress, identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions. The LGA’s performance management guide encourages managers to foster a “culture of curiosity and inquiry”. Ask questions, seek feedback and be open to change.

Take Care of Yourself

Leadership can be demanding. It is easy to become consumed by the pressures of the role, especially in times of crisis or change. Make time for reflection, seek support when needed and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Remember, resilience is not about never feeling stressed — it is about recognising when you need help and taking steps to recharge and refocus.

Keep Learning

No one expects you to have all the answers on day one. What matters is your willingness to learn, adapt and grow. Seek out training, mentoring and peer support. Reflect on your experiences and be open to feedback. As one local government leader put it, “When you live your life in the fishbowl of public administration, sometimes things just don’t work out the way you want them to”. Mistakes are inevitable — what counts is how you respond.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a manager in local government is a significant milestone. It comes with challenges, but also with the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. By focusing on relationships, ethics, communication and continuous learning, you can build a strong foundation for success.

As you begin this journey, remember the words of one seasoned administrator: “No one can appreciate your circumstances as much as someone who has travelled your path”. Reach out, connect with others, and know that you are not alone.

This blog post was sponsored by Local Partnerships LLP, who help local authorities to deliver projects and implement changes efficiently. They offer expertise in climate adaptation, energy efficiency, waste management, housing, infrastructure, procurement, and digital transformation, ensuring excellent value for money and meeting key priorities.