Do you work in the public sector and have an inspiring, capable and knowledgeable boss/line manager?

[Canyoucheckonme]

If so, please tell me which sector you're in so I can have hope and know where to look for one...

Social housing. Lots of really knowledgeable people who care. Best boss I've ever had.

NHS laboratory. Lab Manager is an inspirational woman and a great line manager. Not my experience across the board, mind you.

I'm in Education and have been for 34 years. Sadly I can only remember one inspiring, capable manager and cannot think of any across my present, quite large organisation.

Ah yes, I used to work in that sector a lifetime ago. Best CEO I've ever had for the reasons you've said, too; he was passionate, knowledgeable and really cared (and had a fab sense of humour and was humble).

Gosh, only one in 34 years, that's rather depressing!

Yup! Im in education and both my immediate boss and the one above them are fabulous.

I’m central government and luckily work with a few of these types.

Higher Education. I know lots of capable and inspiring managers.

15+ years in social work

2 very good capable, professional managers but not what I would call 'inspiring'.

1 awful damaging manager who I will spend every minute more I work in the profession trying not to be like, and inspiring others to stand up to people like her.

a couple of unmemorable managers

some absolutely fabulously excellent colleagues, who really really care about vulnerable adults.

Lucky you! Sounds great! Hope you keep them for a long time.

Education. Maybe I’ve been lucky but my current boss is fantastic and my last two bosses have been great, too. Supportive, knowledgable, good decision makers and I learn loads from them.

@hatgirl sorry you had to experience a damaging one, but love how you're know using that to help others.

You've helped me to see that having a boss who's not particularly knowledgeable, inspiring or capable is much better than having an abusive or toxic one (been there before too and agree - she taught me how not to treat other people / staff).

Yes! Central Govt dept. I've worked for my current manager for 6 years across two different teams and they are all of things you mention and more. I agree it's a total minefield when looking to move roles though.

Local Govt.
Love my boss. He's great. A kind, humble, funny guy who is one of the biggest reasons I haven't changed jobs in forever..

I've worked in the public sector for 20 years. I've yet to have a manager that meets your requirements. Sorry.

Used to work for NGO's and they were all bloody brilliant.

Now in local authority and my current manager is also brilliant, but I only have him on account of the incompetant b* who tried to force me out and picked on the wrong person to bully; and the two before that were also useless. It's totally hit or miss, and I missed three times! There's an awful culture at times of rewarding brown-nosing rather than valuing skills and experience.

Worked in the public sector for 30 years. A few amazing bosses many years ago but I'd say apart from one in the last 15 years they've been awful, nasty bullies. Not pleasant at all. Amazing the effect it has on your mental health when working in such conditions.

NHS: have had three amazing , inspiring and lovely bosses in my 25 years, one terrible bully (arggghh!) and one pretty ok one currently. Overall, pretty satisfied.

Social work.
My current senior manager is an amazing, genuinely kind and considerate person, with a fire inside her for vulnerable children and a limited tolerance for bullshit. I aspire to be like her.
My first ever social work team manager was incredible. She was patient, helpful, reflective, and she taught me so much about the kind of practitioner and supervisor I wanted to be. 9 years later I still channel her when I'm doing difficult things. She is a beautiful human with such a kind heart, but the ability to shut nonsense down with one icy look. She had a wonderful talent of managing performance and data with a kind word and a general attitude that she had high standards and wouldn't tolerate less. Performance was always immaculate and the team respected her and didn't want to let her down.
I've also had some horrible, bullying, sneaky, dishonest managers. They've taught me how to protect myself, how to keep very accurate records, and how to work with a high level of autonomy. They also taught me the sort of professional I don't want to be.

In a specialist area within charity sector working with vulnerable young people. Have always had fab bosses and lots of training and support.

The two really good managers weren't trying to change the world. They just wanted to do right by their staff, fight their corner and get the best out of them by being decent human beings. First and foremost they were honest, fair and they weren't people pleasers.

You knew where you stood with them and you knew they acted as an umbrella from the rain from above.

The unmemorable ones were nice to your face but basically spineless - a lightweight jacket, ok to an extent but if it started pissing it down were basically useless and just let the rain through.

the awful one... she was a months worth of rain and a few lightning bolts thrown in just for spite.

NHS. I've had some really excellent managers. However, I think I'm a bit of a difficult employee so I have to make allowances. My current manager is amazing.

Project work within one local authority under 5 bosses, one of which was awful (empire building bully) a the rest were kind and supportive but not inspiring. Worked alongside some other senior leaders who were a mixed bag ranging from vile to awesome.