Leadership strategist and municipal executive Gilmore has published his second book, 'Competent Leaders Know How to Succeed,' which draws on decades of public-sector experience to provide practical tools for modern leaders. The book argues that genuine leadership competence is built on integrity, careful planning, and the courage to challenge complacency, positioning these elements as foundational rather than optional.
Gilmore's philosophy, developed over twenty years, contends that leadership effectiveness depends more on strategic foresight, ethical discipline, and transparency than on charisma or positional authority. Through real-world case studies and personal experience, he illustrates how leaders can change organizational trajectories by merging deliberate planning with moral courage. A central thesis of the book is that 'leadership without planning is management by chance,' emphasizing that competence requires intentionality.
The book outlines essential tools for competent leaders, including personal planning agendas, third-party evaluations, and data-driven decision-making. It also asserts that budgets and policies are moral documents that reflect institutional values, making ethical governance inseparable from practical management. 'Integrity is the bedrock that holds everything together,' Gilmore writes. 'When leaders embrace transparency and strategic planning, real reform becomes not only possible, but inevitable.'
Covering the realities of public governance, the book addresses managing councils and boards, eliminating complacency, aligning staff through training and communication, and building proactive cultures resistant to political manipulation. Case studies range from uncovering local corruption to modernizing utility governance, offering insights into the resilience needed to lead under political pressure. These examples are designed to be instructive for leaders facing similar challenges.
Rich with actionable guidance, the book serves as both a manual and memoir, sharing the author's experiences confronting entrenched systems while advocating for ethical governance. It targets city managers, board members, executives, and emerging leaders, providing a roadmap for planning boldly, acting ethically, and driving lasting organizational renewal. The book is available in print and digital formats through Parker Publishers.
This publication matters because it addresses a critical gap in public leadership literature by grounding competence in ethical and strategic practices rather than personality traits. In an era where public trust in institutions is often low, Gilmore's emphasis on transparency and integrity offers a framework for rebuilding credibility and effectiveness. For readers in public-sector roles, the book provides tangible methods to navigate complex governance environments while maintaining moral clarity, potentially leading to more accountable and resilient organizations.
The implications extend beyond individual leaders to impact entire communities and industries. By promoting data-driven decision-making and proactive cultures, the book could influence how public organizations operate, reducing inefficiencies and corruption. For the world, it contributes to a broader dialogue on ethical leadership, suggesting that sustainable reform is achievable through disciplined planning and unwavering integrity. As public-sector challenges grow more complex, this guide offers a timely resource for fostering competence that serves the public good.
