This is the guy who runs the public service

 

Incoherence at its finest.

"The public service's job is to be disciplined and concentrate, resist distractions from the prime minister's missions.  (This is incoherent because what he is saying is "Don't be distracted by the prime minister's missions," instead of what he means is, "Don't be distracted from the prime minister's missions."  Who's writing this stuff?) Be organized, but intense.  Be in a hurry, but better organized and done with the public service and not to it," wrote PCO Clerk Michael Sabia to all deputy ministers.

Huh??!!

What does that even mean?  He then goes on to say, "There is always the risk that following the process is so time-consuming that everything slows down at a time when we need to speed up because the world is moving as fast as it is.  (I'd say, "...the world is moving fast," but I digress again on such bad writing.) When standard operating procedures just don't work anymore, rigorous debate is the best path to the best decisions."

Huh??!!

I still have no clue what he is saying?  Is it, speed up, but risk the process will break down?  How would that get anything done?  Will he be playing by Queensberry rules, or is it playoff hockey -- or even a barfight?  

Then he goes onto accountability:  "It is divided into two key elements:  senior-manage-informed structured decision-making and personal accountability based on commitment and initiative."  What the hell does that even mean?  It's totally incoherent.  

Then he closes with this:  "Diversity in thought is certainly important, but is nevertheless a departure from the recent emphasis on the representational aspect of diversity."  Huh??!!  More incoherence.

"Listening to the open and honest debates is what the public service needs in order to capitalize on the differing perspectives of diversity," he concludes.  Complete gobble gook.  His mother, Laura, was insane, so I guess the apple didn't fall far.

Where I a deputy minister reading this, I'd throw up my hands.  It's a no-win mandate.  Do I debate, or do I lead?  Do I have to be open to diversity, but not too open?  Do I follow process, or do I throw it out the window and start a barfight?

It's all bullsh-t.  And this from the guy who is going to lead the charge.  Man, am I glad I'm retired.