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| Revving
up innovation in the Public Service |
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| PS
Eddie Teo gave some pointers
on how to innovate. |
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The
PS21 Office launched its Innovation Experience
on 20 February 2003 with Deep Dive: A Symposium
for Activists. The day-long symposium served
as the platform for a week of activities highlighting
creative practices within different organisations
in Singapore. It brought together some 400 participants
with the objectives of encouraging and spearheading
innovation throughout the Public Service.
The Deep Dive forum began with an insightful
keynote address by Mr Eddie Teo, Chairman of
the Steering
Committee for an Innovative Public Service and
Permanent
Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office.
This was followed by sessions on Innovative Leadership with pioneers such as
the National Library Board’s Dr Christopher Chia and the Commissioner of
the Singapore Police Force, Mr Khoo Boon Hui (read these stories: Sharing
NLB’s innovation journey and Venturing
beyond with SPF Commissioner).
Chief Innovation Officers were invited to share some of the initiatives that
were launched in their own organisations (read Hearing from
CIVOs).
The Deep Dive forum ended with the launch of I-Circle, which is a community of
public officers who are interested in and enthusiastic about encouraging an innovative
mindset and enterprising
spirit in the Public Service (read Launch
of I-Circle).
Learning points from PS Eddie Teo
After highlighting examples of successful innovation practices and initiatives
adopted by various agencies in his keynote address, Mr Teo went on to give some
pointers.
Innovation is about teamwork, he said. While an individual may
come up with an idea, he needs supporters, collaborators, and financiers to turn
it into an innovation.
Furthermore, his original idea may be changed and improved upon such that by
the time it is implemented, many other people’s ideas would have contributed
to that innovation.
Mr Teo also stressed the need for discipline and focus to
implement innovation, as well as diversity, patience and tolerance of different
views, “strange” ideas,
messiness, risk-taking and even waste.
“Do not be confused by the seeming paradox. There is really no conflict
because when you engage in divergent thinking, you need to allow space for wild,
out-of-the-box
ideas, but when you prepare to implement your ideas, you need convergent
thinking,
which requires focus and discipline,” he said.
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| Members
from the Madhatters Comedy Company
put up lighthearted and entertaining
performances that won the audience
over. The main message conveyed was:
Being innovative requires enthusiasm,
flexibility and an open mind. |
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Mr
Teo also pointed out that we should pay attention
to the second pillar of
the PS21 thrust, viz. “enterprise” because to be innovative, you
need to proactively seek opportunities that can further the
purpose of your job and mission. (For the full speech, click
here.)
Positive response
Judging from the very positive feedback received, it was evident that the participants
thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the Deep Dive forum and were convinced that
innovation can and should be a way of life for all Public Service organisations. |
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By
PS21 Office
Next: Venturing
beyond with SPF Commissioner
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| Related
Articles |
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The
Innovation Experience
The
Deep Dive symposium kicked off
the Innovation Experience, a week-long,
activity-filled event held from 24
to 28 February 2003. The activities
were grouped under four key themes:
One to One with Your Dive Master,
Let's Suit You Up, Pool Practice
and Taking the Dive.
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