Leadership Framework for an Agile Government

This report, published by the IBM Center for The Business of Government in June 2025, presents a comprehensive framework for cultivating leadership that enables agility, innovation, and adaptability in public sector organizations. Drawing from research and case studies across U.S. city governments—including Boston, Philadelphia, Louisville, and Miami—it identifies the leadership traits and practices essential for navigating rapid technological change. The study emphasizes servant, transformational, and collaborative leadership models, offering a multilevel competency framework that supports individual, team, organizational, and community agility. By fostering empathy, adaptability, and inclusive collaboration, government leaders can accelerate modernization while building public trust.