LEADERSHIP AS A DETERMINING FACTOR OF TRANSFORMATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL SELFGOVERNMENT BODIES

The article is devoted to identifying vectors for improving the leadership qualities of representatives of local self-government bodies. It is emphasized that, despite the long and thorough research in this direction, the conditions for forming a leader, identifying a set of skills and abilities, the solution of which will ensure the effective performance of their functions in the conditions of the challenges they face in their work, remain problematic issues. Megatrends are presented that create serious challenges and at the same time open up significant opportunities for local self-government bodies (according to the report “The Future of Local SelfGovernment. A Toolkit for Leaders. Preparing for 2034 and Beyond”), as well as the skills, qualities and values that effective civil servants will have to demonstrate in the future (according to K. Needham and K. Mangan). Taking into account the challenges of decentralization, financial constraints, crisis situations and increased expectations from citizens, specific steps are proposed that will help to implement effective leadership. It is concluded that modern leaders of local governments must not only ensure the effective functioning of institutions, but also demonstrate strategic vision, flexibility, the ability to cooperate and adapt to unpredictable changes: develop leadership qualities; form a clear understanding of leadership skills and abilities among staff; develop diversity and talents in future leadership; form new values and principles of decision-making; invest in leadership. It is concluded that modern leaders of local governments must not only ensure the effective functioning of institutions, but also demonstrate strategic vision, flexibility, the ability to cooperate and adapt to unpredictable changes. Shifting the emphasis from formal administration to missionoriented leadership involves the development of such qualities as sociability, initiative, innovative thinking and the ability to work in conditions of uncertainty.