Break down silos for better public service delivery - Simataa
Better results with a collaborative mindset
Simataa said policy implementation will be more effective with collaboration, consultation and coordination.
Secretary to Cabinet Dr George Simataa has called on chief regional officers and executive directors in service delivery positions to desist from working in silos, a practice currently prevalent in their respective offices. He made the appeal during a quarterly meeting between the information ministry and chief regional officers in Tsumeb on Wednesday.
While he acknowledged that silo mentalities are a result of a mindset problem inherent in human nature, he cautioned about the detrimental impact these mentalities could have on the delivery of public services.
“Such behaviour persists in government because executive directors and chief regional officers allow it. If not rectified, severe consequences may include the potential non-renewal of the delegate’s contracts. When these consequences come, do not blame anyone but yourself,” he cautioned.
“People want to work hard and stay focused on their areas of expertise. However, studies have shown that projects have better results with a collaborative push across offices, ministries and agencies. I call upon all of you to desist from such behaviour,” he urged.
Collaboration benefits
Highlighting the success that can come from desisting from silos, Simataa underscored nations progressing well in policy implementation as they make use of the key components of collaboration, consultation and coordination. He said similar entities in Namibia include the home affairs ministry, due to its collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister.
“Calling a colleague for a consultation on a particular matter does not make you look like you do not know anything. We can only succeed if we work together. Without consultation and coordination, we end up doing the same work, which leads to resource wastage,” he said.
Better leadership
Addressing the importance of being part of a team, he added that the perceptions of colleagues towards people in leadership positions also play a crucial role. He said one ought to be easily available for consultations and assist their team in achieving goals.
He cautioned leaders against being dictators who only wait for reported failures to blame team players. “You are likely to fail in implementing government projects if you do not actively listen to your teammates, respect their ideas and aim to improve the product or process at hand,” he said.
Regarding the necessity of prudent resource management, he emphasised that the project's success depends on effectively utilising resources while considering the schedule and deadlines, among other factors.
“Effective resource management is non-negotiable if you want your projects to achieve the desired results,” he said.
While he acknowledged that silo mentalities are a result of a mindset problem inherent in human nature, he cautioned about the detrimental impact these mentalities could have on the delivery of public services.
“Such behaviour persists in government because executive directors and chief regional officers allow it. If not rectified, severe consequences may include the potential non-renewal of the delegate’s contracts. When these consequences come, do not blame anyone but yourself,” he cautioned.
“People want to work hard and stay focused on their areas of expertise. However, studies have shown that projects have better results with a collaborative push across offices, ministries and agencies. I call upon all of you to desist from such behaviour,” he urged.
Collaboration benefits
Highlighting the success that can come from desisting from silos, Simataa underscored nations progressing well in policy implementation as they make use of the key components of collaboration, consultation and coordination. He said similar entities in Namibia include the home affairs ministry, due to its collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister.
“Calling a colleague for a consultation on a particular matter does not make you look like you do not know anything. We can only succeed if we work together. Without consultation and coordination, we end up doing the same work, which leads to resource wastage,” he said.
Better leadership
Addressing the importance of being part of a team, he added that the perceptions of colleagues towards people in leadership positions also play a crucial role. He said one ought to be easily available for consultations and assist their team in achieving goals.
He cautioned leaders against being dictators who only wait for reported failures to blame team players. “You are likely to fail in implementing government projects if you do not actively listen to your teammates, respect their ideas and aim to improve the product or process at hand,” he said.
Regarding the necessity of prudent resource management, he emphasised that the project's success depends on effectively utilising resources while considering the schedule and deadlines, among other factors.
“Effective resource management is non-negotiable if you want your projects to achieve the desired results,” he said.
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