In a constantly evolving world, public sector managers are called upon to tackle increasingly complex challenges. To navigate bureaucratic turbulence and rising expectations, they must demonstrate agile leadership, an ability to innovate, and a clear vision—qualities beautifully illustrated in the film *Top Gun: Maverick*.

The Art of Making Quick Decisions:

In *Top Gun: Maverick*, Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell faces situations where decisions must be made in a split second, often with limited information. Public sector managers can learn from this approach by developing their ability to make quick and informed decisions. While bureaucratic environments are often synonymous with lengthy processes and thorough deliberations, it is sometimes crucial to act swiftly to respond to urgent situations or seize strategic opportunities.

The Value of Experience and Adaptability:

Maverick, an experienced veteran, combines his accumulated know-how with impressive adaptability to new technologies and young recruits. Similarly, public sector managers must balance their acquired expertise with an openness to innovation and new working methods. This includes integrating artificial intelligence, implementing sustainable practices, and adopting digital technologies to modernize public services.

Servant Leadership:

One of the central themes of the film is the importance of teamwork and mentorship. Maverick is not just an exceptional pilot; he is also a mentor who pushes his teammates to bring out their best. For public sector managers, this means embracing servant leadership, where collective success takes precedence over individual achievements. By nurturing talent within their team and supporting the professional development of their employees, managers can create an organizational culture where innovation and engagement are at the heart of every mission.

Strategic Defiance:

One of the most intriguing aspects of Maverick’s character is his strategic defiance. He does not hesitate to challenge orders when he believes the situation demands it, always with the goal of protecting his team and successfully completing the mission. For public sector managers, defiance may seem like a risky path, but it can sometimes be necessary. It’s not about challenging authority for the sake of it but knowing when to question directives that could harm the efficiency or ethics of public service. This form of managerial courage must be used with discernment, considering potential consequences, but it can be a powerful lever for bringing about positive change in an often rigid environment. Maverick reminds us that a good leader knows when to follow the rules and when it’s necessary to reinterpret them for the common good. This aspect of leadership is also highlighted in the Quebec Government’s Competency Guide, which values managers’ ability to exercise discernment, critical judgment, and integrity in the application of rules and directives.

Managing Change and Resistance:

Just as Maverick faces resistance from both hierarchy and new recruits, public sector managers must navigate environments where change is often met with skepticism. The film shows how strong leadership, combined with transparent communication and respect for traditions, can facilitate the acceptance of change while honoring the organization’s core values.

Resilience:

Finally, *Top Gun: Maverick* is a lesson in resilience. Whether in the cockpit or the boardroom, public sector managers must learn to remain resilient in the face of crises. This resilience is not just about surviving but about using every challenge as an opportunity to strengthen organizational capabilities and improve public services.

Conclusion:

Through Maverick’s adventures, public sector managers can find inspiring parallels to enhance their own leadership. Whether in decision-making, adaptability, mentorship, strategic defiance, change management, or resilience, the lessons from the film are clear: high-altitude leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern public sector. Like Maverick, managers must continually evolve, learn, and adapt to lead their teams to new heights.