Reflect on your political leadership skills
Be the best prepared candidate by knowing your leadership strengths and blind-spots as a councillor
How do you score?
Congratulations on considering to run for local government in 2024! We understand that taking this leap is a significant personal decision, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
What is it?
A political leadership skills reflection tool that covers the six main skill sets and behaviours of a successful councillor.
Who is this for?
Community members who want to nominate for their local council election this year, and those thinking about it.
Why sign up?
Discover your leadership strengths and your leadership blind-spots - self-awareness is key to being a successful leader.
Overview of the tool
Skill set 1 - Local leadership
This refers to the need for councillors to engage with members of the community to learn about local issues and deliver a strategic vision for the future.
Skill set 2 - Working collaboratively
This is about building good relationships with others including fellow councillors, staff, community groups and other stakeholders in order to deliver long-term community outcomes.
Skill set 3 - Communication skills
This reflects the need for excellent communication skills across many different settings and mediums with a range of different audiences and groups.
Skill set 4 - Political understanding
This recognises the political nature of the role and that councillors need to live their values, encourage participation in decision making and work across group dynamics whilst staying in their integrity.
Skill set 5 - Accountability & challenge
This reflects that the role of a councillor is to think critically, analyse information quickly and present arguments that are concise, meaningful and easily understood.
Skill set 6 - Regulating & governing
This area relates to council’s regulatory role and the requirements to understand the legislative and policy framework and to oversee the performance of council and themselves.
By the end of the reflection process, you will:
Let me begin!
Your guide
Your guide is Emma Broomfield - our Founder & lead facilitator. Emma is a
qualified mediator, lawyer and conflict coach with 20 years experience in the
local government industry. Her passion
is helping communities work better
together.
She strongly believes in the power of
local leaders to transform local
communities. As an experienced Code
of Conduct reviewer and trainer, Emma
brings unique insights into the
challenges local councillors face.
Emma is regularly engaged by local councils across New South Wales to provide candidate information sessions, induction support and professional development for councillors.
What people say about Emma:
Emma is regularly engaged by local councils across New South Wales to provide candidate information sessions, induction support and professional development for councillors.
What people say about Emma:
"Very professional and astute."
"Informative, knowledgeable, presented well"
"Very engaging – thorough but not overwhelming"
Frequently asked questions
Who should complete it?
This self-reflection tool is for community members thinking about running in the upcoming local government elections in Australia.
Is it free?
Yes - its absolutely free. We will store your email address securely and include you in our future email updates.
Is it for any level of politics?
This tool has been adapted by us for local government in Australia. It is based on the Political Skills Framework, a councillor’s toolkit by the UK Local Government Association.
How does the process work?
The process is self-led, with a series of questions under each skill set. The questions relate to both the positive and negative behaviours associated with the skills. For each question you will select a rating that best represents your current leadership. At the end, you will be able to download your answers for reference.
Does it cover everything I need to know about being a councillor?
No. This tool will promote self-reflection on six identified key areas of leadership specifically for local government. It does not cover all aspects of the role of being a councillor and you should always check the specific requirements for your jurisdiction.
Can I connect with Emma?
You can connect with Emma on Linkedin.
Training for politicians with a difference
We are changing the game in training and support for our elected leaders. Humans first is our motto. Support for the whole leader is our ethos. From ethics, governance, mindset, wellbeing and technical know-how about the local government system, we teach the big and little skills councillors need to effectively lead and govern. The outcome? More impactful leaders for the communities they serve.
Stay connected
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work, live, and care. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of all First Nations people and acknowledge their deep continuing connection to Country, culture and community.
All rights reserved. Locale Learning (c) 2023 - 2024
All rights reserved. Locale Learning (c) 2023 - 2024
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