Over the course of the last several weeks, I’ve been writing posts to expand upon the Government of Canada’s Key Leadership Competencies. The goal? To translate what these competencies can look like in action while generating thoughtful discussions with all of you reading along. Today marks my final post in this series as we tackle what it means to achieve results!

Leaders prioritize achieving results because it represents their accountability for the success and sustainability of their organizations. Results serve as a competitive edge, indicating efficient resource allocation and motivating teams. Stakeholder confidence, innovation, and growth are fostered through results, while they also provide quantifiable measures of success and contribute to the realization of a leader’s vision. In essence, achieving results is fundamental to effective leadership, driving success and inspiring trust among stakeholders.

But what does this look like in action?

Effective leaders in the federal public service excel at aligning people, work, and systems to maximize program and policy efficiencies. For example, consider a senior executive within a government agency tasked with implementing a new environmental policy. This leader ensures that employees understand the policy’s goals, their roles in its execution, and the systems and processes needed for effective implementation. By aligning the agency’s human resources, tasks, and operational systems with the policy’s objectives, the leader can streamline processes, reduce redundancy, and ultimately achieve greater efficiency in implementing the policy, resulting in a more effective and responsive government approach to environmental issues.

In the federal public service, quantifying, monitoring, and controlling resources and costs are also imperative to achieving results. Imagine a CIO overseeing a department’s IT infrastructure. This CIO is tasked with upgrading the agency’s network infrastructure to enhance cybersecurity and improve data access for employees. To achieve results, they diligently quantify the budget, monitor expenses during the project, and implement cost controls. By carefully tracking expenditures on hardware, software, and personnel, the CIO ensures that the project remains within budget constraints while delivering the necessary IT improvements. This disciplined approach to resource management not only ensures efficient project execution but also safeguards taxpayer funds, a crucial responsibility within the federal public service.

Setting and revising goals and plans in response to changing priorities or conditions is also crucial. Imagine a government department responsible for public health. The department’s leader recognizes the need to adapt their goals and plans swiftly during a public health crisis, such as a pandemic. Flexibility in goal-setting and planning is vital to ensuring that our organizations can remain responsive and effective in addressing dynamic challenges.

To achieve results, leaders must also delegate responsibility and accountability to appropriate levels; make challenging decisions and take action at the opportune time; and, take ownership and acknowledge the impact and outcome of their decisions, whether positive or negative. Imagine a government cybersecurity director facing a significant data breach. They promptly delegate tasks to a specialized response team, ensuring a swift and coordinated incident response. When challenging decisions arise, such as shutting down compromised systems, the leader acts decisively, minimizing potential damage. Informed decision-making through context, data, and evidence is paramount here.

In addition, when said leader openly acknowledges any shortcomings and the impact of the breach, this demonstrates accountability. Such leadership qualities are essential for achieving results while maintaining trust in the federal public service’s ability to handle cybersecurity threats effectively.

Finally, to excel in achieving results, leaders should foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within their teams. Regularly review progress, be open to feedback, and adapt strategies as needed. Effective communication and transparency are also vital, ensuring that team members understand the rationale behind decisions and feel engaged in the journey toward achieving results.

Achieving results isn’t just a goal for leaders; it’s a fundamental responsibility. By aligning efforts, managing resources wisely, and embracing a data-driven, accountable approach, leaders can inspire their teams and organizations to reach new heights of success.