​After attending the NGA 2025 conference in Canberra last week, I was reminded once again of the critical role that relationships play in building high-functioning local governments.  

Many discussions focused on the need for adaptable, visionary leaders who can connect community need with organisational outcomes - BUT - without strong, trust-based relationships between Councils and Senior Officers, the entire enterprise risks faltering. 

I often think back to Leading Roles’ first client, Peter Franks, now CEO at Mareeba Shire Council, who - 13 years ago - told me that there are only three questions in a recruitment decision.  

These are:

1.       Can they do the job?

2.       Can I work with them?

3.       Can they work with me?

Two out of three are fundamentally about relationships – underlining how crucial trust, understanding and connection are to long-term success. 

I’m proud that Leading Roles has now placed over 70 CEOs and hundreds of executives in local government across Australia. This milestone reflects the strength of our recruitment methodology which answers the Three Questions by combining expert judgment, rigorous, industry best competency frameworks – or (Can they do the job?) - and a process that fosters the critical relationships between councils and candidates (Can I work with them?/Can they work with me?). 

If you’re interested in how we weave “The Three Questions” into our approach to build exceptional leadership teams, please get in touch.