Leadership strategist and municipal executive Gilmore has published his second book in a leadership series, 'Competent Leaders Know How to Succeed,' which redefines modern public leadership through practical tools and real-world experience. The book challenges conventional notions of leadership by emphasizing that true competence stems from integrity, careful planning, and the courage to confront complacency rather than from charisma or positional authority.
Drawing on two decades of public-sector experience, Gilmore demonstrates that strategic foresight, ethical discipline, and transparency form the core of effective leadership. He argues that leadership without planning amounts to management by chance, a perspective that carries significant implications for organizational trajectory and public trust. The book outlines essential tools for competent leaders, including personal planning agendas, third-party evaluations, and data-driven decision-making, while asserting that budgets and policies serve as moral documents reflecting institutional values.
'Integrity is the bedrock that holds everything together,' Gilmore writes in the book. 'When leaders embrace transparency and strategic planning, real reform becomes not only possible, but inevitable.' This emphasis on ethical governance comes at a critical time when public institutions face increasing scrutiny and political pressure.
The book covers practical aspects of public governance, including managing councils and boards, eliminating complacency, aligning staff through training and communication, and building proactive cultures resistant to political manipulation. Real-world case studies provide instructive examples of the resilience needed to lead under pressure, from uncovering local corruption to modernizing utility governance. These examples offer valuable insights for leaders navigating complex organizational environments.
For business and technology leaders, the book's framework has implications beyond the public sector. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, and ethical discipline aligns with contemporary leadership challenges in technology organizations facing rapid change and ethical considerations around artificial intelligence implementation. The book's approach to building proactive cultures resistant to manipulation offers relevant strategies for corporate boards and executives.
'Competent Leaders Know How to Succeed' serves as both a manual and memoir, combining actionable guidance with the author's lived experiences confronting entrenched systems while championing ethical governance. The book is available in print and digital formats through Parker Publishers, providing accessible resources for current and emerging leaders across sectors.
The publication arrives as organizations worldwide grapple with leadership challenges in increasingly complex environments. Gilmore's emphasis on planning as antidote to chance management offers a timely framework for leaders seeking to drive organizational renewal while maintaining ethical standards. The book's practical tools and case studies provide concrete methods for implementing this leadership philosophy across different organizational contexts.
