Paying attention to relationships as a foundation for governments to adapt in a shifting, uncertain world
Paying attention to relationships as a foundation for governments to adapt in a shifting, uncertain world
Being nimble is key to the long-term success and efficacy of governments of all sizes across Canada. Underpinning this ability to adapt is a foundation of gained trust and relationships, learning from experiences, making the most of technology, and enabling innovation from within and without government organizations.
In this climate of economic uncertainty, fiscal pressures, political tensions, and social and environmental complexities, governments must be able to respond quickly, collaboratively, and effectively.
At the centre of such agility lies relationships. The ability for governments to shift direction with legislation or policy, to change their operations, and to revisit programs or services is helped – or hindered – by how inclusive and trusted they are. It is the state of relationships that enables government to break down silos, to adapt and innovate, and to deliver in ways that meet citizens’ needs today and into the future.
How does this look in practice?
Being nimble in practice can look different depending on the mandate and abilities of a government ministry, department, or agency. Some of the paths to take toward being adaptable, relational, and cohesive in decision making are:
- The use of task forces, real-time dashboards, and scenario planning – which can ensure leaders have the resources they need to act decisively in the face of change and pressures.
- Evaluating existing programs and services in practical, focused and collaborative, ways, to inform whether to continue the investment or halt the initiative.
- Putting in place time-bound, pilot programs that can test new approaches before full implementation or scalability, in support of experimentation and adaptation.
- Fostering partnerships across sectors to make the most of diverse knowledge, resources, and perspectives toward shared problem-solving and more holistic solutions.
What can help make this real?
When considering how to adapt as government, there are a lot of tools at your disposal; many of which you’re probably already using or working towards adopting.
- Technology can be the cornerstone of agility. By harnessing data-driven insights, governments can make informed decisions faster and with more precision. Automation can streamline routine tasks and AI can enhance forecasting, risk detection, reviews of applications or other submissions, and citizen engagement with efficiency.
- Empowering your teams to be constantly learning and evolving to meet demands and building resilience into the culture of the organization, helps your workforce adapt to change, manage stress, and perform under pressure.
- Community engagements – such as public consultations, town halls, and citizen panels – allow governments to hear diverse voices that then inform decision-making and policy.
For example, B.C.’s provincial government engaged with various organizations, communities, and other interest groups to inform the rollout of an Integrated Support Framework. This initiative brings together health, social, cultural, and housing supports for people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Why pay attention to this now?
Governments at all levels across the country are faced with many of the same challenges – whether that’s a strain on their finances, responding to the economic changes with international trade and industries, addressing growing housing needs, health and affordability, navigating the workforce needs of today and what will be needed in the future, and much more.
Being successful in response will require:
- Collaboration across ministries, agencies, and sectors – breaking down silos and enabling joint decision-making to address the complexity of these issues such as healthcare, housing, and community safety where no single department or level of government can make change alone.
- Strong relationships, within and outside of government, alongside public trust. These relationships can help governments align capabilities with responsibility to deliver programs and services that meet real-world needs.
- Innovative approaches to problems that are built off learning what works and what does not, as well as foresight when it comes to emerging technologies and practices. Being agile based on experiences and adaptive in decision making with the use of flexible, scalable approaches to the delivery of programs and services.
How we can help
At MNP, our team of experts has decades of experience working closely with all levels of government. By reviewing existing programs and services, identifying gaps and opportunities, and assisting in developing new models of delivery, we can help government organizations in their efforts to be effective, efficient, and agile. MNP also facilitates stakeholder and rightsholder engagement, strategic planning, and risk management, to position governments for success today and for many years ahead.
Bill Reid , CMC, CE
Jasmina Burns , CMC
Maggie McInnes
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