Beware assassins with silver bullets

The first shots are being fired - senior staff salaries are in the crosshairs. To which problem is this a solution? None is immediately obvious. 

Will it deliver massive savings from the public purse? In a word: no. 

Will it show the public sector that the government understands the financial dilemma that it faces? No, it over-simplifies - and everyone knows it. 

Will it enhance the standing of senior executives? Sadly, no. It will put public sector leadership in the spotlight in a way that will make it harder for those people to do their jobs. 

The only thing this suggestion has going for it is that it's easy to grasp. So when the tabloids are scrapping around looking for people to blame for the inevitable restructuring of public services in the light of the trillions of pounds that will need to be found, they will now have them - those public sector fat cats. 

It would not surprise me if there wasn't a press pack available with the attack - comparative salaries (how much the PM earns, how many teachers/social workers/classroom assistants you can by for one CX), the cars most senior staff drive (pictures available), their addresses so that we can marvel at the opulence of their lifestyles, pap-sourced images of them supping wine and eating fancy food (downloadable from easy to access websites)...

But is this any more than turning firm friends into unwilling enemies?

There are some serious challenges ahead. Responding to the growing needs of local communities will not be easy - particularly as those needs will be growing. Prioritising the needy over the very, very needy is another problem for which they will not be lauded. And taking councils through the potential impact of all of that - local government will not be the same in ten years as it is today. 

Hard enough. But will they be able to lead on these challenges, undistracted? Unlikely. All the while at every debate, every staff session, every partnership meeting, every public event one thing will pre-occupy and dominate the minds of those who face change: how much senior executives earn. Resentment, envy, churlishness will obscure the real value of strong leaders who have consistently delivered excellence in the face of turmoil and escalating demand. 

A plea to the government. 

Do not contribute to this illusion. There are no silver bullets. The challenges ahead are tough. Senior executives will drive through the massive changes that will be needed. They will ensure business resilience. They will keep the show on the road - as they always have. Systemic and cultural change is complex - but they'll manage it.  

Please don't start shooting at the people who will help deliver what's needed. They'll have more than their fare share of bullets to dodge without this.