IPANZ E-Update - 8 June 2022
This is my last e-update. It has been such a pleasure collating interesting pieces for IPANZ members. I wish you all the very best. I know that Kay Booth, who has taken on this wonderful job at the beginning of this week, will continue to serve you all into the future.
Thank you all so much.
Shenagh Gleisner
LATEST NEWS
The Challenge of Systemic Change
I was asked by our President, Liz MacPherson to write the opening message in our July Public Sector Journal – due out next week. Here it is.
It is a celebration of all that public servants have achieved, especially in the last two years; an appreciation of the foundation for change offered by the Public Service Act; and a plea to accelerate change at the very core of the system, keep learning from the wisdom from people outside the public service and from the extraordinary achievements of communities, and especially those of Maori communities.
Is the Public Sector Creative?
In a study reported by ANZSOG, the question of public sector creativity is very nicely summarised. They argue that public sector creativity is inhibited by:
- Reduced incentives in the absence of market competition
- Receiving resource based on monopoly status
- Asymmetric incentives that punishes failures
However, the good news is public servants are creative, often incrementally and reactively, but creativity is there and can be encouraged and supported.
Learn more here
Well, There is Some Pretty Weird Legislation Around....
Did you know for example that there is still a law that stops you drawing moustaches on the people on bank notes? And it is illegal to possess a book published in 2010 called Everything Marijuana Book. It is more bizarre in other countries, for example, it’s against the law to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7.00 pm in Arizona, USA.
Read the whole amusing list of legislation you may not have heard of. This is an article in our new Public Sector Journal, due out next week.
A Very Simple Definition of Systems Thinking
We hear so much about systems thinking and cannot always get a really clear definition of what it is. Here is a straightforward description of what systems thinking is, we hope it is helpful.
And Linked To This - What are the Capabilities of Network Leaders?
Increasing interconnectedness somewhat undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of some of the traditional institutional leadership approaches and requires what could be termed “network leadership”. Here is a very brief account of some of the qualities of effective network leaders, which is probably almost all of our senior leaders in the public service.
Learn more about H2R here
UPCOMING EVENTS
New Professionals - Mānawatia a Matariki, Celebrate Matariki - Thursday 23 June, 5.30-7.30pm, WELLINGTON
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars, that rises in midwinter and for many Māori, heralds the start of the new year. For the first time in Aotearoa, it will officially be celebrated as a public holiday.
Spread the word to your colleagues and join the IPANZ New Professionals for an evening to come together and reflect on the year that has passed, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.
REGISTER HERE
RECORDINGS AVAILABLE - Systemic Change in the Public Service to Better Enable Collaboration - A Webinar Series
We recently delivered a three-webinar series exploring the role of the public service in enabling collaboration and the practical changes required to achieve this. The sessions provided many insights into collaboration including capability, leadership, relationships, structural and mindset change.
You can view all the webinar recordings and resources here
EXTERNAL EVENT
Financial Wellbeing for Public Servants - A Webinar Series - 9-23 June, ONLINE
IPANZ partner, Westpac invite you to join their Managing Your Money programme for engaging, practical and interactive financial wellbeing information designed to help you feel more confident when it comes to making decisions about your money. Sessions include, Preparing for the Future, Getting Started and The Wonderful World of Investments.
Read more here
WHAT WE'RE READING
Learning from Māori Human Resources
The attached article makes the overall point that Māori managerial approaches are “steeped in a sense of community and civic obligation”. We think you will find a full reading of the article worthwhile. So to whet your appetites, here are a few key points.
The authors talk about five ancestral leadership strengths:
- Mauri Ora – creating well-being. This is a process of acknowledge a person and their experiences. Each and every individual needs validation.
- Whānaungatanga – having a family-based approach to work. Māori managers integrate organisational systems, policies and procedures to support community-building.
- Tangata Whakapapa – embracing the wholeness of a person. The recognition of the power of the authority of ancestral, tribal and family connections of all employees.
- Hūmārie – practising humility. Leaders would be expected to show deference and humility to those they lead.
- Tuākana-Teina – transmitting mana through mentorship. Transferring knowledge and workplace culture to a mentee foster and give worth to organisational values.
The article goes on to describe narratives and touch stones. Read the whole article!
Learn more about The Johnson Group here
Stay In-Touch with Us
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