McLaughlin: On Being a Deputy Minister

More practical focus than the Michael Sabia’s general message to the public service, focussing on deputies, from former Manitoba clerk:

…My core expectations of you to ensure your success as a deputy minister flow from these statements of my roles.

First, no surprises. Government works best when it is informed and advised of issues as early as possible. My expectation is that you ensure your minister and I are made aware of significant and sensitive issues in a timely way.

Second, give your best advice, not just the expected or desired advice.You are there to lead your department in the development and application of sound, evidence-based public policy.

Third, bring solutions not just problems. You are charged with finding ways forward even in the most challenging of circumstances and issues, befitting your overall responsibility for the department you lead.

Fourth, act for today but think about tomorrow. Challenge your departments to think ahead and think differently about where we need to be, not just where we are now. For a government to be preoccupied with the issues of today is understandable; for a government to be unaware of the issues of the future is unforgivable.

Fifth, contribute to the whole-of-government, not just your part of it. You are, in a phrase, ‘corporate officers of the whole government of Manitoba’ not just custodians of your department of that government. Your personal and professional cross-government collaboration as a member of the DMC team or supporting a minister of the Cabinet is essential for this to occur…

Source: On Being a Deputy Minister