Sorry everyone, I've moved... but on the upside, I've posted already.
See the reply to Padraic's comment at my new blog:
http://civilservicereform.wordpress.com
Monday, June 25, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Public Service Week
Last week, offices across the country celebrated, "the importance of our federal public service employees and give each and every one of us an opportunity to reflect on the many contributions we make to our Canadian society through our professionalism, resourcefulness and hard work which enables us the quality of life we all enjoy." (Link to federal public service week website.)
However, I find this imagery of the public service lacking. Professionalism has been restricted by executives and unions negotiating, resourcefulness restricted by policy and red-tape and hard work - well... depends on who you are. In comparison, if we are to observe the police force, the mantra remains "to serve and protect" - doing their job for society.
My problem: I believe in people. To to believe in what they do and to make the right decisions. When you put restrictions on people to the point government tends to do, people revert into a self-serve culture. A good parent teaches a child responsibility by holding them accountable for their actions but also giving them the opportunity to make mistakes.
In the "celebration" of public service week, I found a culture expecting more for themselves instead of being the representatives of the Canadian public. It will take a generation to change the culture, but the result will be an organization that can really serve the public .
When this occurs, we will really have something to celebrate!
However, I find this imagery of the public service lacking. Professionalism has been restricted by executives and unions negotiating, resourcefulness restricted by policy and red-tape and hard work - well... depends on who you are. In comparison, if we are to observe the police force, the mantra remains "to serve and protect" - doing their job for society.
My problem: I believe in people. To to believe in what they do and to make the right decisions. When you put restrictions on people to the point government tends to do, people revert into a self-serve culture. A good parent teaches a child responsibility by holding them accountable for their actions but also giving them the opportunity to make mistakes.
In the "celebration" of public service week, I found a culture expecting more for themselves instead of being the representatives of the Canadian public. It will take a generation to change the culture, but the result will be an organization that can really serve the public .
When this occurs, we will really have something to celebrate!
In my absence
Okay - this will be the last time I will need to apologize for a long gap between postings. I like to think I have a more legitimate excuse this time though. Two things have happened that I am proud of and relate to my passion to reform of the civil service:
1. I wrote an paper for an IPAC (Institute of Public Administration of Canada) competition about "Challenges and Opportunities in the Public Sector," which resulted in winning it (originally I was going to post the full thing here but it is a little too large - so I'll just provide a link to the IPAC site when they have it up.
2. Somewhat relating to the first, I have been asked to be on the board of directors for the IPAC National Capital Region.
Regardless, I still apologize for the time gap and I will post a real one before the weekend is out - or else I give Casey and Aaron complete freedom to harass me.
1. I wrote an paper for an IPAC (Institute of Public Administration of Canada) competition about "Challenges and Opportunities in the Public Sector," which resulted in winning it (originally I was going to post the full thing here but it is a little too large - so I'll just provide a link to the IPAC site when they have it up.
2. Somewhat relating to the first, I have been asked to be on the board of directors for the IPAC National Capital Region.
Regardless, I still apologize for the time gap and I will post a real one before the weekend is out - or else I give Casey and Aaron complete freedom to harass me.
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