New Water Policy and Practice Volume 1, Number 2 - Spring 2015 | Page 20

Understanding Six Water Leadership Roles

leaders often demonstrate the ability to make the transition from a technical specialist
focused on day-to-day challenges to a forward thinking, strategic leader who is able
to build a capable team, delegate day-to-day tasks, and maintain their focus on the
strategic direction of the organisation or work unit. These leaders typically have a
strong commitment to professional development and continuous learning. They are
also suited to executive leadership roles.
3.6. The trusted advisor

A role occupied by practitioners who are experts at communicating,
networking and advocating at the political level. They are associated with a high level
of trust/credibility within political circles and an expansive network of connections
across government and politics. They are seen as independent, rather than being
aligned with any political party. Their role involves brokering access and agreement
amongst decision makers, and acting as trusted interlocutors between technical and
political stakeholders or between government and affected stakeholder groups (e.g.,
community and industry groups). These leaders originate from diverse backgrounds,
but have a long track record in technical–political translation. They have a good
sense of political timing, a sophisticated understanding of political opportunities and
government agendas, and are adept at communicating complex concepts simply to
politicians and the public alike. They usually have strong networks and are trusted
across several different areas of science and across stakeholder interest groups. They
have a reputation as trusted advisors and/or ‘fixers’ to politicians. They often work as
stewards of complex negotiations and collaborations regarding new policy, working
to obtain consensus and agreement, but do so often without taking an overt role in
driving the process or in developing specific technical solutions themselves.

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