1. Building Leadership Capacity
PLA Conference 14th October 2004
Kevin Ford
Chief Executive, FPM

2. Creating possibility
I received the fundamentals of my education in school, but that was not enough. My real education, the superstructure, the details, the true architecture, I got out of the public library. For an impoverished child whose family could not afford to buy books, the library was the open door to wonder and achievement, and I can never be sufficiently grateful that I had the wit to charge through that door and make the most of it.
Isaac Asimov 1994
Leadership challenge of F4F
Coherent and consistent public library services:
able to promote a strong positive picture of public libraries at all levels
clear but flexible offering (reading, informal learning; electronic information & services; inclusion and cohesiveness)
high standards and accountability
clear links to other government policies and targets without losing service identity
partnership working
capitalise on public trust and confidence

3. Disintegration and anarchy (or massive avoidance)
The complexity matrix
Disintegration and anarchy
(or massive avoidance)
Far from
Political
Zone of Complexity
Agreement
Close to
Rational
Judgemental
Close to………………
Certainty
……………….. Far from
Adapted from R E Stacey “

4. Leading and learning Strategy New priorities Strategy Review Monitor Ou t c o m e s P u r p o s e
Thinking
Linking
Learning
Action
Identify change
Act
Scan
Plan
Adapted from Pedlar, Burgoyne and Boydell (1991) and Argyris (1999)

5. Enhancing leadership capacity
Transformational leaders who can
Lead others
genuine concern for well being; empower and delegate; accessible; encourage questioning & strategic thinking
Extend their own capabilities
honest and consistent; integrity; open to ideas; decisive, risk taking; charismatic and inspirational; analytic and creative
Lead their part of the service
Inspirational communicator; clarify purpose and direction; unite through shared vision; create learning environment; manage change
From Transformational Leadership Questionnaire, LRDL, Leeds
The leadership programme
Pilots set up and running – three levels
Roll out from March 2005 to March 2006
Places for three managers from every local authority
Details will be posted to every authority on 18th October
Want to find ways to sustain the momentum after the programme ends – links to other national, regional and local initiatives

6. Challenges
Still offering access to information, reading and culture through which people can transform themselves (and their communities) - in attractive environments
Providing the third place for individuals to explore and think, alone and together
Working with others and doing more things, without losing your purpose and soul
Raising confidence profile and status – to attract and keep good people; to attract new, and keep existing, service users; to secure real commitment from local and national politicians
Delivering change which builds on the immense and proud traditions of public libraries