RSS Feed4000 VPSCIN Members
Posted by Coordinator 2 July 2009
Sometime this week or early next, the VPSCIN will register member number 4000. To mark this milestone we have an ipod shuffle for the 4000th member into the system.
To be eligible you need to be a new member (not current) and register by clicking on the new members link, or register to attend one of the VPSCIN upcoming events on this website. All new members will go into the draw to receive one of 30 book prizes to be drawn on July 31.
So if you have a friend in Govt who has not yet participated in a VPSCIN event, now is a good time to join!
Mental Floss (137)
Posted by Coordinator 2 July 2009
Well done to Olivia Tsao of Justice who responded with: Jim was planning to pick up the second last glass and pour its contents into the second glass, then replace the empty glass in its original position. This week’s question is:
Fred wanted to send a snooker cue by post but was told at the post office that because it was over two metres in length they would not do so. The maximum length permissible in length, width or depth under regulations was 1.5 metres. Fred went away, thought carefully and wrapped it in a manner that was then accepted. He didn’t shorten the cue, so how did he manage this?
The first CIN member in with the correct answer will receive a copy of Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats.
Positive Workskills Train the Trainer
Posted by Coordinator 30 June 2009
On June 23 a group of VPS staff from Treasury & Finance and VicPol attended a full day training session to build knowledge and skill around the practically focused “Positive Workskills” programme. This programme provides a range of practical guidelines and tools that enable people to maintain a positive and practical focus even when things around them are not quite going according to plan.
The course differs from many offerings in the “resilience” space in that there is a practical orientation and does not dwell on Happiness as being a major driver of developing a more positive focus in work and life. The methods allow participants to examine their beliefs around performance, resilience, confidence, happiness, self-image and temperament and refocus productively where necessary.
In addition to participants training these skills into their own departments the VPSCIN will also be making training in Positive Workskills available to the wider VPS over the coming months.
Celebrating Story Conference Oct 8-9
Posted by Coordinator 30 June 2009
If you have a curiosity or passion about narrative and story and how it be be applied to drive positive change and development, this conference held at the Abbotsford Convent on Oct 8-9 will interest you.
BabelFishGroup invite VPSCIN members to attend their Celebrating Story Conference which will be a two day exploration of the use of story and narrative approaches spanning business, government and community. This will be one of the first change-oriented story conferences ever held in Australia.
Full details are in the document attached: CelebratingStoryConference.pdf
“We have no time to waste” by David Boyle, Deputy Surveyor General
Posted by Coordinator 30 June 2009
“I had written him a letter which I had, for want of better
Knowledge, sent to where I met him down the Lachlan, years ago,
He was shearing when I knew him, so I sent the letter to him,
Just `on spec’, addressed as follows, `Clancy, of The Overflow’.”
I am sitting in my dingy little office, where a stingy
Ray of sunlight struggles feebly down between the houses tall,
And the foetid air and gritty of the dusty, dirty city
Through the open window floating, spreads its foulness over all.
Banjo Patterson, “Clancy of the Overflow”
Armed with a healthy dose of scepticism I recently attended a workshop on “Six Hats Thinking” with the hope that I might discover some wisdom that would help me ‘find’ some time in my busy schedule and provide me with something of value which I could pass on to my colleagues – most of whom are equally cynical.
So whilst perhaps not quite “on spec”, or even from “my dingy little office”, come with me for a moment and just imagine we are somewhere “down the Lachlan” looking for the shearer. Thank you.
Right now, it will be obvious to you that we are all heading in the same direction – down the Lachlan. Perhaps we might diverge a little to the left, or a little to the right, but we will very rarely be heading in opposite directions or pushing upstream against the flow. Sure, we will all have different ideas of how to find ‘Clancy’ but we’ll gather our thoughts and work through them in a structured way. We might first consider the needs and benefits of the journey with perhaps some bright ideas coming from a “place of lowing cattle” (‘left field’), secondly we would discuss the difficulties and challenges of our journey before gathering ourselves and heading off, down the Lachlan.
This is pretty much the same trip and the same focus penned in Edward de Bono’s “Six Thinking Hats”. De Bono, it seems, is of the view that everybody has the same capacity to be actively involved in several different areas of thought, six to be precise. We apparently, generally just do it “our way” – even if we are pushing upstream, against others, and not necessarily making headway.
Having enjoyed our brief sojourn to the bush, I must draw you back to the city where the “stingy ray of [winter] sunlight struggles feebly down between the [buildings] tall” and back to the offices of the city. Here, in her continuing efforts to manage a continuous improvement and knowledge management program within Land Victoria, Vikki Hope has engaged the services of the VPSCIN to provide a group of 16 volunteers with a run-down on Edward de Bono’s teaching in ‘thinking’.
The facilitator and therefore the “blue hat” person in this workshop took us through a series of presentations and scenarios to explain the power and use of Six Hats Thinking. On the face of it, and particularly for those of us who take a little bit more convincing than others that something other than ‘plain English’ might be useful, how does it help if we refer to green hats, red socks, blue gloves or any other item of clothing that could be worn on any other part of one’s anatomy, if we could simply refer to the need for ‘positive thinking’ or ‘risk assessment’?
The facilitator assured us that the power of an expression such as ‘Yellow Hat thinking’ or ‘Black Hat mode’, which, when used in an environment that understands the ‘Hats’ processes has a far greater impact than using plain English. It might be likened to the use of acronyms – a language that is well known to most public servants but as I was to find out, a language that is not as clear as the ‘Hats’.
When the next opportunity arises to do some thinking, ask yourself if you and your organisation might benefit from exposure to the ‘Hats’. Unlike Banjo Patterson’s view, “townsfolk [do] have time to grow”. As part of your performance planning, or even additional training, perhaps you could see your way clear to attend a tutorial or workshop that provides methods of improving your work life and you will be half way to seeing the “visions splendid”. In English, this could be referred to as positive thinking – in ‘Hats’ terminology that’s the ‘Yellow hat’ you have just used. Or is it creative thinking and therefore a little bit of ‘Green hat’? Then when you have convinced yourself of the benefits, think of some of the checks and balances you might have to cover off (that’s right, black hat stuff) to confirm your decision that you have selected the right option.
Not only will this be useful at work, our ‘blue hat man’ is of the view that about 90% of the advantages each individual derives from using the thinking processes espoused by de Bono would be provided in their private life and only about 10% at work. Something about work-life balance here – another positive!
‘Hats’ is all about modes of thinking. Different styles of thinking that are deliberately selected at different parts of a meeting, a process or problem solving session to provide a defined outcome or purpose e.g. to find Clancy. ‘Hats’ is not a personality assessment tool that indicates a likely psychological type, a management style or the emotional intelligence of a person, the ‘Hats’ philosophy provides a process and focus on six different types of thinking that can be applied to every event requiring thought.
I could go on, and provide you with more facts and information (White hat detail) but you can easily find them for yourself. Just follow your instinct, don’t dwell or over analyse the options, just do it (Red hat) because you “have no time to waste”.
With the possible exception of learning how to type (as distinct from “the thumbnail dipped in tar”), and provided ‘Hats’ thinking could be universally adopted within my work place, this tool has the greatest chance of helping me to become more efficient. It will save significant time and lead to better, more rewarding, decision making.
Now, gold digging, in a measure,
Affords much greater pleasure
To your obedient servant,
“Clancy of the Overflow”.
Thomas Gerald Clancy, “Clancy’s reply”
More New VPS Facilitators
Posted by Coordinator 29 June 2009
The VPS has three more meeting facilitators. Sharon Donnelly from Planning & Community Development and Grace Blau and Shiraz Engineer from Sustainability & Environment
The methods utilised by these facilitators were those recently described by Dr de Bono in his presentation to CIN members as essential in adapting to, and thriving in a very different and rapidly changing world, where more traditional thinking methods are less effective.
All three have now practically applied the de Bono thinking methods in work based facilitations designed to enhance the group thinking, provide a focused approach and ensure group sessions are more productive. The assessments undertaken were a action based learning follow up from formal training in the Six Thinking Hats.
Some of the Government topics the methods have successfully applied to have been:
- Reviewing processes for developing business systems manuals
- Generating ideas to incorporate into the planning process
- Examining the current version on an innovation blueprint
- Identifying gaps in the blueprint and developing recommendations to address
- Generating ideas to improve the process of developing the next “Govt Progress Report”
The CIN would like to congratulate these three on their work in attaining their status as Blue Hat Facilitators and in incorporating more design thinking into the business of Government.
Mental Floss (136)
Posted by Coordinator 26 June 2009
Well done to Gordon Forbes of Sustainability & Environment who correctly responded with: 50% - Since you have four and I have three, it is certain that you have either tossed more heads or more tails than I have (not both). Since there are only two options the chance that you toss more heads than me can only be 50-50. This week’s question is:
Jim was playing with six drinking glasses. He had filled three of them with water and the other three were empty. ‘Look, they are full and empty, one after the other,’ he said, ‘but I am going to make them so that there are three full ones, followed by three empty ones.’ At this point his mother was convinced that he would spill them, so she took them away, but in fact Jim had a very simple plan to make three full next to three empty. What was it?
The 1st CIN member in with the correct response will receive a copy of Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats.
Getting Unstuck - How Complexity Helps with Andrew Rixon
Posted by Coordinator 26 June 2009
Today 170 CIN members joined Andrew Rixon of Babelfishgroup to look at how complexity can help us get get unstuck.
Over the course of the presentation Andrew shared a number of insights and personal stories designed to illuminate how the science of complexity can help us through the tricky spots we may find ourselves facing in either our work or personal life. Chief amongst the insights was the question: “Why do we make life so hard for ourselves?”
We tend to make things a bit more difficult than they need to be by forgetting that the world is not a straight line, it is complex and messy and we know we are forgetting this when we:
- Become too outcome focused.
- When we think that there is one right answer (there isn’t, there’s plenty)
- When we try to do too much.
A more reasonable response is to acknowledge that we operate in complex adaptive systems and our thinking and approaches need to be in alignment with this. If the world is complex and cause and effect can only apparent in hindsight, we are operating in emergent spaces and different types of thinking are needed. The types of thinking associated with more ordered systems ceases to be effective. Andrew discussed people’s tendencies to react to situations in very different ways and referred to the Cynefin framework to demonstrate.
For the slides from Andrew’s presentation click here.
Many thanks to Andrew for his time, stories and insights that were appreciated by all present.
N1H1 Influenza Update
Posted by Coordinator 26 June 2009
Victoria is currently in the “Protect” phase of its pandemic planning for dealing with the Human Swine Flu.
We have attached the latest update from Human Services on the Swine Flu outbreak which includes a great deal of very handy information that it would pay to be aware of. Information is also included that will help prevention and spread of the virus.
The information includes details of the current state, FAQ’s and the latest advice from those best placed to offer it: Swine Flu Update
DIIRD and Police work on Investment Logic
Posted by Coordinator 25 June 2009
On Thursday 25 June 2009 Victoria Police conducted an Investment Logic Map (ILM) in relation to a major strategic initiative. In planning for this ILM it was decided to use an outside facilitator with a strategic perspective to bring rigor and a different set of skills to add to the mix. Sue Heistein from DIIRD conducted the ILM and brought to the exercise high level thinking and interpretation skills that made the process effective and instructive.
A senior police member commended Sue as a facilitator, stating that she had been the best facilitator he had come across in the many ILM’s he had been involved in. This is indicative of the growth of the cross-government cooperation and mutual support growing from the VPS CIN and the Victorian Whole of Government Community Engagement Network of which Sue is a member of both.
To learn more about Investment Management from the Treasury & Finance website Click Here.
Collaborative Management Network
Posted by Coordinator 25 June 2009
For CIN members who have an interest in sharing and learning from others the team at Groupwork has extended us a kind invitation to participate in their network.
The purpose of the Collaborative Management Network (CRM) is to provide peer support and peer learning opportunities for - CEOs/Managers/teamleaders/co-ordinators -who seek to work in more collaborative, effective ways.
Management can often be a very isolating experience, where we learn ‘by the seat our pants’. The CMN aims to offset this, and is open to all managers from all sectors.
The CRM has three basic principles:
- No RSVP, just turn up - all managers are welcome.
- Turn up to receive the benefits -There are no minutes, etc.
- The Network is all about the experience (practice) of collaborative management. Content will be guided by what interests those present.
The next meeting of the group will be on:
Thurs 16th July 2009
5.30-6pm Arrive/ Delicious light dinner provided 6-8pm
All meetings will be facilitated with only a $10 donation needed to cover food and venue hire.
Meeting dates for 2009 will be: Thurs 16-7-09, Wed 19-8-09, Wed 16-9-09, Thurs 15-10-09, Mon 9-11-09, Tues 8-12-09
The venue is the Gestalt Therapy Australia Building, 333 Heidelberg Rd, Northcote, opposite Fairfield Park/Boathouse. (Best to get onto service road off outbound lane of Heidelberg Rd, b/w Jeffrey and Westgarth Sts. Ample parking available. See Melways 30-J12)
The contact for more information on these session is Gwen Arnold of Groupwork on 0413 047938 or gwen@groupwork.com.au
Public Service News Report on VPSCIN Workshops
Posted by Coordinator 23 June 2009
An article on the recent VPSCIN Innovation workshops has just been published in the PS News.
The article by Victorian journalist Dan McGuire, briefly describes what archetypes are and some of the potential applications within Government. The archetype extraction process is one of many innovative practices currently being applied by CIN members across the sector. While these methods are often ignored by the more bureaucratic and linear mindset, they have become essential as unprecedented “connectedness” and accelerating change increases the complexity of the systems in which we operate.
The same workshops also used innovative methods of anecdote capture to identify and document hundreds of issues, both positive and negative that impact upon our ability to innovate in the public sector. These issues have now been categorised into broad areas including, Leadership, Culture, Knowledge, Collaboration & Communication and have had a complexity science based decision making framework applied to aid in the types of decision making required to address the issues.
Click Here to read the article.
An invite to “Alternative Perspectives on Health & Learning” with Don Tolman
Posted by Coordinator 21 June 2009 
The CIN is very pleased to announce the return of Don Tolman to the CIN stage. Since Don’s last appearance with the CIN we have had constantly been asked the question “When are we getting Don back?”
Don is best described as a revolutionary in the fields of self care and self education. He has dedicated his life to researching ancient wisdom in health and learning, and as a result has profound messages that he is passionate about sharing with others.
Don’s discoveries in the field of whole food nutrition have earned him the right to speak at some of the world’s leading health and technology organisations such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Health Research Academy at Cornell University and the prestigious John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore where he has assisted many critically ill patients to full recovery.
Don has spoken to more than 1,000 audiences world-wide and his media credits include 50+ radio and TV talk show appearances per year. He has been a regular guest on the Donahue Show, Entertainment Tonight and ABC Talk Radio in the US and Mornings with Kerri-Anne in Australia and the Good-Morning Show in New Zealand.
Don’s revolutionary discoveries in the field of whole food nutrition have earned him the right to speak at some of the world’s leading health and technology organisations such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Health Research Academy at Cornell University in New York City and the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore where he has assisted many critically ill patients to full recovery.
According to Don, we have lost the war on many diseases due to our heavy reliance on toxic, pharmaceutical drugs and a health system driven by the dollar. In doing so, we’ve forgotten how to trust the wisdom and power of whole foods and principles of health for avoiding disease, remaining vital and living long. Don believes that people need to become more self reliant and responsible for their own health instead of handing this responsibility over to the “sick” care industry.
This will not be a session for the dogmatic or those threatened by alternate perspectives. Places will fill quickly so don’t miss out!
When: 12:00pm - 2:30pm Monday August 10
Where: Zinc at Federation Square
A healthy lunch will be provided
RSVP for this session Click Here.
An invite to the Power of Story: Influence and Motivation through the Art of Storytelling
Posted by Coordinator 20 June 2009
The CIN invites Public Sector employees to attend a this seminar on the power of story featuring Yamini and Gabrielle from one thousand & one.
Stories and storytelling can inspire, influence, motivate and engage people where logic and bullet points may not. Think of your own experience. Isn’t it always the story, the anecdote, the example that you remember long after the event?
Organisational storytelling is storytelling with a business purpose and for business results. Whatever it is you are trying to do in business - whether you are leading people, managing change, influencing the board or building your career, we guarantee that storytelling can help you do it better.
Gabrielle Dolan and Yamini Naidu, Australia’s organisational storytelling experts will help you:
- Discover organisational story-telling, a hot and emerging leadership skill
- Explore the use of story-telling as an influence tool
- Identify applications for story-telling within your department.
When: Friday July 17, 12:00 - 2:00pm
Where: Treasury Theatre, Lower Plaza 1 Macarthur St East Melbourne
Light lunch provided
To RSVP Click Here