tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.comments2022-12-17T14:00:10.481-05:00Contrarian ThinkingEtienne Lalibertéhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12531893445525709859noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-29504949512486206432011-12-08T19:56:26.493-05:002011-12-08T19:56:26.493-05:00Public Service Senior managers will receive bonuse...Public Service Senior managers will receive bonuses to lay off the very public servants they are incapable of managing as the majority of senior managers in the Canadian Public Service were promoted to their positions via poor recruitment practices and they do no possess the skills or knowledge to occupy the positions they have. This is most true in IMIT in government.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-36318412972859506272011-12-08T19:53:11.914-05:002011-12-08T19:53:11.914-05:00Someone should have a look at the creation of Shar...Someone should have a look at the creation of Shared Services Canada and the Deficit Reduction Action Plan and how public service senior managers are responding to these.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-48480419856176833632011-11-19T06:16:47.161-05:002011-11-19T06:16:47.161-05:00Great to read you again. You are very right about ...Great to read you again. You are very right about communications being again under threats. All those fighting for ethic and transparency have never been more important. Note: your paper (Inconvenient renewal) stands in front of my cubicule "with photo" since its publication. You are NOT alone.JDrolethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03033328168804457974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-87139969656173781402011-11-14T22:24:37.975-05:002011-11-14T22:24:37.975-05:00All good discussion| Keep the posts coming!All good discussion| Keep the posts coming!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-32003966883344731622011-11-11T15:03:34.190-05:002011-11-11T15:03:34.190-05:00Thanks for the info, "Anonymous". My blo...Thanks for the info, "Anonymous". My blog post was based solely on the facts reported in the CBC article and the comments of the readers. There was no mention hash tag. I agree that the tag you describe makes the linkage with the strategic review more obvious to employees of the public service who know what the "stratreview" is about.Etienne Lalibertéhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12531893445525709859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-3967738682121628152011-11-07T10:45:21.939-05:002011-11-07T10:45:21.939-05:00I have issue with your phrase: "...SOME inter...I have issue with your phrase: "...SOME interpreted the line in the more specific context of strategic review...". The tweet was tagged #songsfromstratreview - how should the tweet be interpreted any other way BUT related to strategic review?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-76655864322725348282011-11-06T20:07:02.143-05:002011-11-06T20:07:02.143-05:00The idea that scapegoating is due to fear of commu...The idea that scapegoating is due to fear of communication hits the nail on the head, so the connection to social media is a natural one. It certainly extends beyond that though, for the root of the fear of communication is the attempt to prevent changing awareness and this deeply unsettles people whose power depends on image rather than substance and people whose sense of security is not concerned with the legitimacy of power, only the power of power.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-5647269383882279372011-11-06T13:50:33.086-05:002011-11-06T13:50:33.086-05:00Etienne you are not alone (far from it I'd wag...Etienne you are not alone (far from it I'd wager) in having had front row seats around a nasty management bullying and/or mobbing incident within the Federal Public Service of Canada.<br /><br />I've seen it happen frequently - and recently.<br /><br />There are harsh and hard hitting repercusions for those who speak truth to power. The culture encourages instead a mindset of submission; "be obedient, compliant and work hard," seems to be the recipe for a long but perhaps not exciting career with the Feds.<br /><br />... and the pressure I feel to not hit the 'publish' key after typing this short comment is strong - but truth spoken even in the face of power, is still the truth.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07113969183028765056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-21728504597455476352011-11-06T11:07:01.518-05:002011-11-06T11:07:01.518-05:00Hi Etienne,
Good to see Contrarian Thinking alive...Hi Etienne,<br /><br />Good to see Contrarian Thinking alive and kicking again.<br /><br />I'd say that a good scapegoat is MORE welcome than a solution to the problem -- it allows a convenient detouring around the messiness of examining underlying systemic issues that may be the real cause of the problem.<br /><br />I'd agree that the demon is the fear of the communication itself -- which is why the scapegoat must be demon-ized: to avoid confronting the communication.<br /><br />I'd add that (social) media acts as a force multiplier -- amplifying the communication -- which is why both the messenger and the medium are scapegoated: to silence the message.Asifnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-58945397156934331202011-10-29T13:11:21.860-04:002011-10-29T13:11:21.860-04:00Yes Etienne,
Now more than ever.
Facing a resizi...Yes Etienne,<br /><br />Now more than ever.<br /><br />Facing a resizing of the federal public service is only going to create more pressure than ever to rely on top down policy. <br /><br />Like a recurring theme we are moving forward with some plan developed in Ottawa and more or less out of touch with the operational end of the public service. We are now in the process of reshaping and resizing Public Service organizations and the original intent of the Public Service Modernization Act and Public Service Renewal is being completely lost. From everything I have come to understand about of a top down approach (the flaw in the thinking) I believe we have missed the proverbial boat on PS Renewal. As we struggle to engage front line employees in contributing to realignment of resources and streamlining of processes to in the face of a shrinking Federal Public Service to yes, maximize efficiency and develop economies, we are completely forgetting about Canadians. Those we serve. When are we going to engage Canadians, who in a struggling economy are going to rely more than ever on the federal public service, in the discussion? How will Canadians inform the change and who should we really rely to provide the measure of success? <br />My personal satisfaction as a public servant will not turn on whether or not my direct manager is good or bad. It won't hinge on the policy box I am told to live in or the terrible waste I encounter as a result of how we do business. It is directly linked to the services I provide to Canadians and to my role as a front line employee. I have linked my personal satisfaction in this way despite the top down approach not because of it. So please, let's all think outside the box, but don't forget to when considering PS Renewal check the "thinking outside the box policy". <br /><br />And oh yes, ordinary Canadians, those of you for which we exist. Don't worry we will arrive at a cost effective solution soon. At least for those of you who are sufficiently affluent enough that you won't need us. When the sign says out of service what we really should be saying is we are out to lunch.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14738257815287271006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-70952054149675117372011-10-29T13:11:01.292-04:002011-10-29T13:11:01.292-04:00Yes Etienne,
Now more than ever.
Facing a resizi...Yes Etienne,<br /><br />Now more than ever.<br /><br />Facing a resizing of the federal public service is only going to create more pressure than ever to rely on top down policy. <br /><br />Like a recurring theme we are moving forward with some plan developed in Ottawa and more or less out of touch with the operational end of the public service. We are now in the process of reshaping and resizing Public Service organizations and the original intent of the Public Service Modernization Act and Public Service Renewal is being completely lost. From everything I have come to understand about of a top down approach (the flaw in the thinking) I believe we have missed the proverbial boat on PS Renewal. As we struggle to engage front line employees in contributing to realignment of resources and streamlining of processes to in the face of a shrinking Federal Public Service to yes, maximize efficiency and develop economies, we are completely forgetting about Canadians. Those we serve. When are we going to engage Canadians, who in a struggling economy are going to rely more than ever on the federal public service, in the discussion? How will Canadians inform the change and who should we really rely to provide the measure of success? <br />My personal satisfaction as a public servant will not turn on whether or not my direct manager is good or bad. It won't hinge on the policy box I am told to live in or the terrible waste I encounter as a result of how we do business. It is directly linked to the services I provide to Canadians and to my role as a front line employee. I have linked my personal satisfaction in this way despite the top down approach not because of it. So please, let's all think outside the box, but don't forget to when considering PS Renewal check the "thinking outside the box policy". <br /><br />And oh yes, ordinary Canadians, those of you for which we exist. Don't worry we will arrive at a cost effective solution soon. At least for those of you who are sufficiently affluent enough that you won't need us. When the sign says out of service what we really should be saying is we are out to lunch.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14738257815287271006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-45908430231285240362011-10-29T13:10:40.313-04:002011-10-29T13:10:40.313-04:00Yes Etienne,
Now more than ever.
Facing a resizi...Yes Etienne,<br /><br />Now more than ever.<br /><br />Facing a resizing of the federal public service is only going to create more pressure than ever to rely on top down policy. <br /><br />Like a recurring theme we are moving forward with some plan developed in Ottawa and more or less out of touch with the operational end of the public service. We are now in the process of reshaping and resizing Public Service organizations and the original intent of the Public Service Modernization Act and Public Service Renewal is being completely lost. From everything I have come to understand about of a top down approach (the flaw in the thinking) I believe we have missed the proverbial boat on PS Renewal. As we struggle to engage front line employees in contributing to realignment of resources and streamlining of processes to in the face of a shrinking Federal Public Service to yes, maximize efficiency and develop economies, we are completely forgetting about Canadians. Those we serve. When are we going to engage Canadians, who in a struggling economy are going to rely more than ever on the federal public service, in the discussion? How will Canadians inform the change and who should we really rely to provide the measure of success? <br />My personal satisfaction as a public servant will not turn on whether or not my direct manager is good or bad. It won't hinge on the policy box I am told to live in or the terrible waste I encounter as a result of how we do business. It is directly linked to the services I provide to Canadians and to my role as a front line employee. I have linked my personal satisfaction in this way despite the top down approach not because of it. So please, let's all think outside the box, but don't forget to when considering PS Renewal check the "thinking outside the box policy". <br /><br />And oh yes, ordinary Canadians, those of you for which we exist. Don't worry we will arrive at a cost effective solution soon. At least for those of you who are sufficiently affluent enough that you won't need us. When the sign says out of service what we really should be saying is we are out to lunch.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14738257815287271006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-52205004571248311962010-11-25T07:57:29.257-05:002010-11-25T07:57:29.257-05:00More relevant as the content is slowly beginning t...More relevant as the content is slowly beginning to be understood by a few (step 1 in a long process). This is the work of a few life times and for each and everyone of us, it is the teaching of patience and strategy.JDrolethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03033328168804457974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-44923606708404115742010-11-11T12:28:25.959-05:002010-11-11T12:28:25.959-05:00I think the paper remains relevant as long as PS R...I think the paper remains relevant as long as PS Renewal remains 'inconvenient' for managers.Asif Devjihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10354586669059372281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-46742215069489124692010-11-05T18:43:31.345-04:002010-11-05T18:43:31.345-04:00I agree with George.
It is a reference manual for...I agree with George.<br /><br />It is a reference manual for the new public service manager and is nowhere near ubiquitous enough.<br /><br />Even in the perfect ending where every PS Manager does everything perfectly, they still need a reminder of where policy-vision inevitably leads.<br /><br />There is still work to be done and it is good to have you back Etienne!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18369149179728177904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-66448272759130062842010-11-05T18:06:53.184-04:002010-11-05T18:06:53.184-04:00It's absolutely still relevant, and will be fo...It's absolutely still relevant, and will be for many years to come.<br /><br />Why do I say that? Because when I first read it I was a disillusioned and bitter public servant who wondered what it would take for management to change in a massive bureaucratic organization tied more to blind policy-following than good treatment of its human resources.<br /><br />Fast-forward to today. Now I'm a newly-minted public service manager. I manage people as part of my day-to-day responsibilities, and need to balance results with developing a team and doing "people management". Many of the concepts in An Inconvenient Renewal are ones that I refer back to, and they help to guide my approach to day-to-day issues in the workplace.<br /><br />An Inconvenient Renewal is hugely relevant, because it speaks to those of us who will be the managers of tomorrow's public service. The current management might not be paying attention, but those of us working our way upward certainly are. Pioneers like Etienne help to make innovative management less of a fringe activity and more of a norm.George Wenzelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00012448020892841484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-59540605167449375432010-11-05T17:00:09.358-04:002010-11-05T17:00:09.358-04:00Just above this article on my RSS feed was another...Just above this article on my RSS feed was another post in the SvN (signal v. noise) feed:<br /><br />"You can’t improve a design when you’re emotionally attached to past decisions..."<br /><br />I thought it was fitting considering the subtext "Are Managers Ready to Change the Way they Manage?"Galen Jr.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12563206604265091301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-8671610321078197732010-10-08T22:30:43.880-04:002010-10-08T22:30:43.880-04:00Commenting on an old post, but I just ran across i...Commenting on an old post, but I just ran across it and read it, so why not. I think you make a truly excellent point about how the Values and Ethics Code isn't what it should be: a thoughtful framework for thinking about the ethical situations a public servant is likely to encounter. Instead, it's about expressing one particular vision of "what is ethical", based on one particular (implied) hierarchy of "public goods". <br /><br /><br />My issue with the Code is that everytime I've seen it presented or read it, I've gotten the unfortunate feeling that my hierarchy of public goods isn't the one that the PS is trying to make me accept. Making ethical choices is something I take very seriously, and my key values are part of the the Code. They just happen to be the ones that are traded-off most easily, it seems, when the Values and Ethics advisors view them as being in conflict with other key PS values. <br /><br />In any case, rambling perhaps, but thank you for this post.<br /><br />EMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-62515881168279454922010-09-22T10:51:46.758-04:002010-09-22T10:51:46.758-04:00Hi Etienne, I'm thrilled you're back. I mi...Hi Etienne, I'm thrilled you're back. I missed your thoughts while you took the time away.Michellenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-10473903004853921502010-04-08T18:09:39.712-04:002010-04-08T18:09:39.712-04:00Congrats. You deserve it.Congrats. You deserve it.davidburkushttp://theleaderlab.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-16299415594350899642009-11-21T14:14:03.879-05:002009-11-21T14:14:03.879-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-2706901024570534622009-10-23T17:23:13.892-04:002009-10-23T17:23:13.892-04:00thanks for the shout out for TalentedApps.
- Megthanks for the shout out for TalentedApps.<br /><br />- MegAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-5399071272482483472009-09-29T22:12:31.141-04:002009-09-29T22:12:31.141-04:00Thanks for including me in this great list! I'...Thanks for including me in this great list! I'm adding some of these links to my Google Reader right now. I hope all is well out in Vancouver.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Stevesteve cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16654670014456283808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-20607176946885409652009-09-17T08:36:26.737-04:002009-09-17T08:36:26.737-04:00Great links...thanks for including my "So you...Great links...thanks for including my "So you want to be a Change Agent?" article.Eric D. Brownhttp://ericbrown.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23184460.post-83772026117586939572009-09-16T12:57:16.777-04:002009-09-16T12:57:16.777-04:00Etienne:
I am honored to see some of the posts I c...Etienne:<br />I am honored to see some of the posts I craft on your list. Thank you.<br />DavidDavid Zingerhttp://www.davidzinger.comnoreply@blogger.com