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What makes an effective leader?
How to lead with purpose in challenging times
PEOPLE & CULTURE
Clare Sion
Senior Consultant – People and HR, Campbell Tickell
Clare Sion
Senior Consultant – People and HR, Campbell Tickell
Issue 79 | September 2025
In today’s environment, where uncertainty is the only certainty and change is the norm, the question of what makes an effective leader has taken on new urgency.
Whether navigating housing crises, driving transformation in local government, or leading a values-led charity, Campbell Tickell supports those facing a complex balancing act. They must lead with purpose, manage risk, empower people and deliver impact – often under intense scrutiny and constraint.
What defines effective leadership?
The question of what makes an effective leader is more important than ever in today’s complex and rapidly shifting environment. Leaders are navigating a landscape marked by financial pressure, regulatory scrutiny, public expectation, and above all, the need to deliver real, lasting impact.
Effective leadership is no longer about authority or technical knowledge alone. It’s about combining clarity of purpose with emotional intelligence, adaptability and a deep commitment to equity and public value.
At the heart of effective leadership lies a clear, values-driven purpose and clarity of vision.
Great leaders know where they are heading and why it matters, and they can communicate that purpose in a way that inspires others to follow. People need to understand the ‘why’ to buy into the ‘what’.
In housing associations or local authorities, for example, purpose must be more than a slogan – it must shape strategy, investment, service delivery and culture.
Whether leading a housing provider through transformation or steering a local authority toward inclusive growth, the most impactful leaders ground their decisions in mission and long-term community outcomes.
They are able to articulate the ‘why’ behind change, particularly when facing resistance or uncertainty. Purpose isn’t a branding tool, it’s the foundation that gives strategy meaning and resilience.
“At the heart of effective leadership lies a clear, values-driven purpose and clarity of vision.”
Purpose-driven leadership
Purpose-driven leadership is about connecting with a deeper sense of purpose so staff truly grasp the organisation’s goals and resonate with them. Leaders who embrace this approach communicate their organisation’s purpose authentically and in a way that inspires and motivates their team. This fosters a culture of connection and shared commitment.
Today, employees crave something deeper than authority; they want authenticity, which is where value-based leadership comes in. Leaders who act from a place of integrity and principle inspire others to do the same.
Critical emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is now just as critical as operational expertise. In modern leadership, IQ may get you in the door, but EQ determines how far you go. Empathy, self-awareness and the ability to read and respond to others are now non-negotiable leadership skills.
The most effective leaders are self-aware, calm under pressure and able to build trust across diverse teams and stakeholders. In organisations facing change fatigue or public criticism, these qualities allow leaders to guide the organisation, achieve its goals and, crucially, re-engage people.
Leaders with high levels of EQ have an intrinsic understanding of their own emotions, which allows them to adjust their reactions and keep calm even in high-pressure situations. This can lead to an effective technique to inspire and motivate their teams, which helps to promote a culture of trust and open communication.
“In modern leadership, IQ may get you in the door, but EQ determines how far you go.”
The importance of adaptability and learning
Adaptability and continuous learning are also essential, but not at the cost of values.
Today’s leaders must read the context, stay open to new approaches and be willing to evolve. But they must also know what to protect: organisational integrity, service quality, inclusion and relationships. The ability to change course while holding true to core principles is a defining leadership strength.
Crucially, effective leadership is about communication – and not just the ability to speak. Listening well, creating space for feedback and ensuring people feel heard are essential in building psychological safety and real engagement. In co-regulated or tenant-led contexts, that openness becomes even more vital.
Strong leadership
Strong leaders don’t do it alone. They build capable, diverse teams and empower others to lead. They share success, take responsibility when things go wrong and foster cultures of learning and continuous improvement. They lead for legacy, not applause.
Finally, in an era where reputations can be won or lost overnight, integrity and accountability are non-negotiable. The most respected leaders do what they say, own their mistakes and stay true to the people and communities they serve – even when the pressure is on.
Leadership in this context is not about being the hero in the story. It’s about building movements, systems and cultures that can thrive long after the individual has moved on. It’s measured not just in outcomes, but in trust, credibility and the capacity you leave behind.
In short, effective leadership in public and social purpose sectors today is a practice – anchored in values, refined through learning and expressed through service.
