A recent estimate indicated that less than 10% of local governments are formally using AI. That number might sound shocking, but it’s not because the technology isn’t ready—it’s because most organisations aren’t. Sure, people dabble with AI on their personal devices (I’ve had IT knock on my door more than once to remind me of the risks!), but official adoption is rare and slow.
Why Aren’t We Moving Faster?
Well:
- It’s not about the tech. There’s no shortage of AI pilots, chatbot experiments, or “innovation” teams. Yet, most of us are still watching from the sidelines.
- It’s not just about data. If I hear “we need perfect data” one more time, I might cry. Yes, data quality matters, but every organisation has pockets of reliable data. Why not start there, instead of waiting for the mythical day when every dataset is flawless?
- It’s about culture and courage. The real barriers are cultural, political, and personal. Change is uncomfortable, and AI forces us to ask tough questions.
The Real Questions we must Face
AI is pushing us to confront what really matters:
- What work truly requires human judgement?
- Which decisions are driven by data, and which are just habits?
- Are we prepared to redesign roles, challenge old assumptions, and lead people through a transformation bigger than simple digitisation?
It’s not always comfortable. But it’s necessary.
At The Heart of the Challenge is Trust
After years in the sector, here’s my take: the biggest leadership challenge isn’t about technology—it’s about trust.
- Trust that our people can adapt.
- Trust that our systems can evolve.
- Trust that leadership means more than managing risk—it means shaping the future.
Right now, trust isn’t something you’ll find in a policy manual. It’s unregulated, unmeasured, and absolutely essential.
Some steps we can take
- Don’t wait for perfect conditions. If you’re waiting for certainty, you’ll wait forever.
- Don’t wait for permission. If you’re waiting for someone to tell you it’s safe, you’re already behind.
- Start small, but start now. Use the data you trust. Test, learn, and grow from there.
The future isn’t about technology alone. It’s about the courage to lead through uncertainty, to build trust, and to shape what comes next.
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