Canadian Government Executive - Volume 25 - Issue 02

38 / Canadian Government Executive // April/May 2019 MIDDLE MANAGEMENT S ometimes we are too involved in the surface details of a prob- lem to look at the situation as a whole. A forest is full of beau- tiful trees to behold. But when we become so engrossed in looking at the individual trees, we may forget that each tree is one of millions in the forest. We lose sight of the big picture. The imagery of Black Elk of the Oglala Sioux inspires a holistic view: “… I was standing on the highest moun- Networking whole of government By John Wilkins … cannot see the forest for the trees — JOHN HEYWOOD (1546) The majestic sequoia is a species of redwoods that is among the world’s largest and most enduring organisms. It can grow to a height of 100 metres, weigh 1,000,000 kilograms, and live for 3,000 years. But it owes much of its size and longevity to what lies beneath the surface. A deep matting of roots spread over an acre of earth firmly anchors its towering height and astonishing weight.