In situations where team stability is under strain, leadership is crucial. To help managers handle stressful situations, or “VUCA” situations, Canada’s federal government advises using a proven approach: build an atmosphere of trust and acceptance, listen generously, communicate transparently and help team members plan and set goals.

Stemming from a recommendation adopted in 2019, the OECD has published a document identifying four core leadership capabilities (values-based leadership, open inclusion, organisational stewardship, networked collaboration). It also outlines a model for assessing senior civil service systems and formulates recommendations to help Member States take a systematic approach to the development and management of their public service leaders.

A new digital squad is being put together to lend a hand to government startup-style teams working on developing simple, easy-to-use digital tools with maximum impact. The squad is made up of developers and delivery managers, recruited for six-month terms from the public and private sectors, who will join existing autonomous teams. The project is inspired by the Canadian government’s Free Agent Program.