October 2005

In this issue:

Appreciating Government Creativity and Innovation

What would be the impact on the performance of politicians and bureaucrats globally if citizens sent them notes of thanks and appreciation?

By Linda Naiman

One sector of society that rarely receives thanks, at least from the public, is government. When I read headlines in the newspaper condemning politicians (or bureaucrats) for whatever reason, I sometimes wonder what it must be like to be bombarded by angry sentiments from thousands of people.

Does this negativity affect the quality of their decision-making and judgment? Would they function better and make wiser decisions if we sent them positive messages or thoughts of good will? We are quick to unleash our wrath when politicians and bureaucrats err, but how often do we thank them when they do something right?

Public Space and Commercial Enterprise:
The Watermark at Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver

Last summer a new public building opened at Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver. It houses a cafeteria, a lifeguard station, public restrooms and the Watermark, an upscale restaurant/lounge. When this project was first proposed three years ago, thousands of citizens opposed the plan and protested the turnover of public parkland to private interests without public consultation. Neighbouring residents vehemently opposed the project too, citing noise, and worries that the building would block their view.

I never paid too much attention to the kerfuffle but when I saw the completed building I was both surprised and delighted. The architects designed a great space for the public. Minimalist in design, the building unobtrusively blends in with its surroundings. Its beauty lies in the masterful interplay of cedar, glass, steel and concrete. The details are exquisite. Even the Ladies’ room filled me with civic pride. In my view, this is a public building that adds to the quality of life in Vancouver.

Inspired, I wrote to City Hall to express my appreciation and say thanks. I asked them to pass on my email to anyone who was involved, including the architect. A few days later I received a note back from a City Hall bureaucrat, who said my note made the three years of turmoil he suffered through, all worth while.

Soon after, I brought friends from California to dinner at the Watermark and asked the hostess how the neighbours were responding. She said they love the place, dine there regularly and they are sorry they made such a fuss! (As a side note, we enjoyed our dinner, but critics are giving the restaurant mixed reviews.)

This story might sound trivial in light of some of the monumental challenges governments and citizens face, but my point is – we need to recognize and appreciate what is done well, even in government.

What would be the impact on the performance of politicians and bureaucrats globally if citizens sent them notes of thanks and appreciation?

As Gladwell asserts in The Tipping Point little things add up to a lot. My challenge to you, is to send a note of appreciation for a job you truly believe was done well by someone in your government. Then write to me and let me know what happened!

See also Resources for Government Innovation