Leadership Is Not About Popularity
Real leadership is not about chasing applause. It is about doing the right thing, even when the decision is difficult, unpopular or misunderstood at first.
In this conversation, Dev Singh explores the leadership mindset behind making hard decisions in public life. The message is clear. Leaders who want long-term impact cannot lead only by popularity. They must be willing to make decisions with integrity, explain their reasoning and stay accountable to the people they serve.
This kind of leadership matters not only in local government, but also across the NDIS, aged care, childcare and wider care sectors, where decisions often affect people’s lives, dignity and future.
Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reason
One of the strongest ideas in the conversation is that leadership should be grounded in purpose, not personal ambition.
A leader who is willing to leave office knowing they acted for the right reasons carries a very different kind of strength. It means they are not making decisions only to win votes, protect their image or avoid criticism. They are thinking about what the community needs, even when that means making choices that are uncomfortable in the short term.
This is an important lesson for every sector.
In care, leadership is often tested when resources are limited, demand is rising and systems are under pressure. The easy decision may keep everyone calm for a moment. The right decision may require courage, patience and clear communication.
Why Popularity Can Become a False Economy
Popularity can be tempting for leaders. It feels good to be liked, praised and supported. But when decisions are made only to win approval, the long-term cost can be high.
In the conversation, the example of local government financial management showed this clearly. When the City of Canning faced a difficult financial position, the response was not to avoid tough choices. It was to make measured decisions, including incremental rate increases, paying down debt, stopping unwise spending and rebuilding financial strength over time.
These decisions may not always be popular at the beginning. However, when leaders are honest about why they are needed, communities can come to understand the long-term benefit.
Respect is often built not by avoiding hard decisions, but by making them transparently.
Watch the complete Podcast
Financial Responsibility Is a Leadership Issue
Strong leadership requires financial discipline.
Whether in local government, disability services, aged care, childcare or community organisations, financial responsibility is not separate from care. It is what allows services to continue, communities to be supported and future needs to be planned for properly.
Poor financial decisions can limit the ability to serve people. Strong financial stewardship creates stability.
This is especially important in the care sector, where providers must balance funding pressures, workforce challenges, compliance requirements and the needs of vulnerable people. Leaders must make decisions that keep services sustainable while staying true to their purpose.
Tough Decisions Need Honest Communication
Making a difficult decision is only part of leadership. Explaining it matters just as much.
People may not always agree with a decision, but they are more likely to respect it when they understand the reason behind it. This requires leaders to communicate clearly, listen to concerns and be willing to stand by their choices.
In public life and care services, this kind of honesty is essential.
Families, workers, service users and communities need to know why decisions are being made. They need to see that decisions are not driven by ego, politics or convenience, but by responsibility and long-term benefit.
Trust grows when leaders are honest enough to say, “This is hard, but this is why it matters.”
Strong Opinions Come With Strong Reactions
Leadership often means having a point of view.
When a leader speaks clearly, there will always be people who disagree. Strong opinions can bring strong reactions. But that does not mean leaders should become silent or avoid important conversations.
A leadership platform is a privilege. Whether someone is a mayor, a chief executive, a board member, a provider, an advocate or a community leader, their voice can start conversations that others may not be able to begin.
The responsibility is to use that platform with integrity.
In the care sectors, this means speaking up about system gaps, workforce pressures, safeguarding, funding models, accessibility, inclusion and better outcomes for the people who rely on support.
What Care Sector Leaders Can Learn From Local Government
The care sector and local government may seem different, but they share many of the same leadership challenges.
Both must serve communities.
Both must manage limited resources.
Both must respond to public expectations.
Both must make decisions that affect people’s daily lives.
Both must balance compassion with responsibility.
For leaders in NDIS, aged care and childcare, the lesson is clear. Do not lead only for approval. Lead for impact. Lead with transparency. Lead with courage. Lead with the long-term wellbeing of people at the centre.
Integrity Is the Foundation of Community Trust
Community trust is built slowly. It comes from consistency, honesty and the willingness to make decisions that serve the greater good.
Leaders do not need to be perfect. They do need to be clear about their values.
When leaders act with integrity, people may not always agree with every decision, but they can respect the process. They can see that the leader is not simply following popularity, pressure or politics. They are trying to do what is right.
That is the kind of leadership our communities need.
Join the National Care Sectors Conference 2026
To continue this important conversation, we invite you to attend the National Care Sectors Conference: NDIS, Aged Care & Childcare on 28 August 2026.
Join us for a moving and inspiring event that brings together leaders, advocates, providers, policymakers and community voices from across Australia’s care sectors.
Together, we will explore the future of NDIS, aged care and childcare, with a focus on leadership, reform, safeguarding, sustainability, human rights, service quality and person-centred care.
If you work in care, lead a service, support families, influence policy or believe in building stronger and more compassionate systems, this conference is for you.
Be part of the conversation. Be part of the change.