Quote of the week
“Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.”
— Publilius Syrus
Editor’s Corner
When it comes to the public sector, few would argue that the sea is calm. The drivers of change – technology, tightening budgets, citizen expectations and political determination – are creating a perfect storm for leaders in government.
Who is the typical leader in government? I like to say that a leader in government is anyone who manages people, budgets and change. Of these three, the first is the most important because it speaks to individual and organizational health. The second two reflect the realities that public sector leaders adapt to. Put them together, and you have the challenge of ensuring ongoing organizational performance.
What makes a good public sector leader? Specific competencies include, to name just two, resilience and an ability to manage ambiguity. Both these are increasingly important in a world of ongoing public sector change where the outcomes may not be clear.
Public sector leaders can learn from others, and so on April 4, Canadian Government Executive will be holding its First Annual Leadership Summit, called Leading Management Change in the Canadian Public Sector.
Its goal is to bring together innovative thought leaders, experienced senior managers and IT implementation professionals from the public and private sectors to interact with public sector executives, managers and their teams in a unique format designed to deliver a worldclass learning exchange and networking experience.
Participants will have an opportunity to discuss the most important management challenges faced by public service executives from some of the Canadian sector’s most respected leaders and to hear the latest views of respected thought leaders on three key drivers of successful management change that public sector executives and managers must embrace.
To learn more about this valuable event, or to register, go to http://cgeleadershipsummit.ca/
