Transitioning from the private sector to a local government role can be an enriching and fulfilling career move. While the sectors differ in their operational dynamics and objectives, there are several transferable skills and experiences that make professionals from the private sector valuable assets to the public sector. This blog post aims to guide CEOs,…
In today’s highly competitive job market, securing a prestigious position in local government can be a daunting task. With hundreds of applicants vying for limited openings, it is crucial for CEOs, General Managers, Directors, and Managers to find ways to stand out from the crowd. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies from…
Welcome to Mason Blackadder, the next evolution of Blackadder Associates incorporating highly respected Local Government leaders Scott Mason and Stephen Blackadder. Scott as Managing Director is partnering with Stephen Blackadder as Australian General Manager and they have ambitious plans for the future of the new entity. Stephen is personally excited about the transition. “Scott will…
A BIG congratulations to Murray River Council and CEO Terry Dodds for being the second council in the country to ever win the Gold Medal from Macquarie University’s VOICE Project for change management (improving staff culture). The Mason Blackadder team is proud to have assisted and facilitated two Voice Project surveys at Murray River, led…
The Local Government recruitment sector has endured unprecedented stress & evolution over the past three years. Not only due to the 2019 summer bushfires or the 2020 pandemic response. Concerned with how different council recruiters were coping with the challenges they faced, we pooled our resources with CouncilJObs.com.au and Leonards Advertising, to help share some…
In my 30 years as an Executive Director, Non-Exec Director, CEO and Management Consultant, I have seen very few HR Directors ascend to the apex of the organization – conversely, I have seen other professions take the lions share, mainly from a finance background. Few HR professionals become CEOs, and the more common result is…
An easy to understand example that BA like to use to explain the importance of teamwork and understanding each other’s roles, is that of the Rowing 8. Quite obviously, every member of the 8, plus the Coxswain, must understand their role and that of other members in the team, and they must in turn perform…
As you advance through the managerial ranks, you will be judged increasingly on your ability to present well. Indeed, I would go as far as to say that if you cannot present well, you will never fulfil your true potential. Presenting to your peers, to councillors or to senior business executives can be a very…
In every organisation I have worked in, I have observed that, the best leaders are calculated risk takers. To be absolutely blunt, the ability to take risks (following a prudent assessment of the pros and cons of any situation or opportunity), is an essential prerequisite of leadership. Nobody who is afraid or unwilling to take…
There are so many reasons why I always encourage employers to consider using a niche recruitment agency when making a senior appointment. Agencies are not only adept in assisting clients to accurately define the job specification and skill requirements of the vacant position but they also have ready-made databases of candidates who have already been…
