By: Patrice Dutil The MindLab meets every expectation you might have about a post-modern Danish institution that would dare sport such a title. Nestled on the ground floor of a rather non-descript building that contrasts cruelly with Copenhagen’s old stock exchange (the “Børsen”) across the street, the MindLab presents itself as a deep, white rectangle....
In this month’s blog, I would like to test out an idea. I have been toying with this idea for some time now. As I share it around, some people seem to think it is interesting albeit disruptive, and others get excited about its potential. Today, I would like to make a pitch to you...
None of Us Have it All Together
Ducks look like they have it All Together. Above the water, all is calm. They glide, expressionless and serene. Below the water, they’re paddling madly trying to stay afloat and to avoid getting eaten. It’s like they’re in an endless, hidden panic. We’re not so different from the ducks. If the world discovered that we...
I blogged in November 2012 about seeing Dr. Bernard Meyerson, VP Global Innovation, IBM, at that year’s GTEC. Dr. Meyerson spoke to why innovation matters and how it is linked to growth and growth happens when good people pursue grand challenges to accomplish the seemingly impossible. Last week while watching an episode of Second regard on tou.tv, a similar comment came up in an...
Text Messages and Government Records
Today’s newspapers are once again reading that bureaucrats, this time in CRA, possibly deleted text messages that may be “government records.” A spokesperson for Treasury Board President, Tony Clement, is quoted as saying: “If the (messages) were of business value and deleted, then the rules were broken. If the CRA can prove that they were...
Leader as Hero: The Power of Commitment
When times get tough, we turn to leaders for courage. Yet rarely is courage found in the competency profile of any leadership position. Selection systems cannot abide responding to queries from rejected candidates with “You were not found to be courageous enough for the job.” No one wants to be rejected on the basis of...
Lessons from the Field: Intrapreneurship in Action series
In this month’s blog, I’m featuring Dylan Sherlock, Policy Analyst for the Natural Resource Sector Transformation Secretariat. I have had the great pleasure of working with Dylan to establish our intrapreneurship network in the BC Public Service. Dylan beautifully exemplifies the mindset of the next generation of public servant. He is a talented policy analyst,...
A cryptic title, which may lead you to think this blog post is about new beginnings for 2015. I first thought about doing a piece on that topic, and then decided against it. The truth is, I have been struggling with writer’s block since November, and wanted to share my story of finally overcoming it....
In starting the new year, my thoughts go to goals and resolutions, as I am sure they do for many of you. This year, as with every other year, finding and nurturing creative pursuits is high on my list. Early in January this year, however, my mind turned to how I define creativity. As I...
Lessons from the Field: Intrapreneurship in Action
In this month’s blog, I’m featuring Bette-Jo Hughes, Associate Deputy Minister and Government Chief Information Officer, who I had the great pleasure of working for directly, while on a temporary assignment three years ago. Bette-Jo’s reputation precedes her. As well as being one of the most respected leaders in the public service, she is also...
