7 Progressions to Creative Governance

Introduction

Creative Public Governance requires the courage to use unconventional ideas for social change that brings tangible benefits to the people. Though not labeled as such, practically every country practices it in one form or another. However, by not having a common label, these creative practices are not publicized and therefore not shared to the world at large. The benefits are only restricted to the country or often to the small community where it operates.

My intention is that by coining the self-explanatory term of Creative Public Governance, these practices will be popularized and spread much more widely , ultimately spearheading a world-wide movement to create a better world for all of us.

Creative Public Governance need not be introduced officially by the government . In fact, it can be pioneered by an individual. The Nobel Peace Prize winner, Prof. Mohamad Yunus, for example developed the concept of micro-financing to help the poor. It has now permeated to many parts of the world even to advanced and developed countries.

I believe that in order to accelerate the diffusion of Creative Public Governance , a methodology is required. Based on my research and observations, I have developed the 7 Progressions to Creative Governance. I welcome your feedback.

The 7 Progressions to Creative Governance

1. Identifying the Core issue
2. Taking the Michelangelo approach
3. Searching globally for successful solutions
4. Innovating the wheel
5. Facilitating participative re-creation
6. Sensitizing, elaborating & winning acceptance
7. Recognizing & celebrating

1. Identifying the Core issue

Creative governance begins by asking questions to identify the core issue – identifying the cause and not just the symptoms. For example , if there is a drop in enrolment in science education , what is the underlying cause? Is it employability, teaching, facilities, perception, etc. We can do research on research that have been undertaken in this field as practically almost every issue has been researched before. Talk to the people on the ground who are the most affected. If necessary, do a confirmation research. The important thing to avoid is paralysis through analysis.

2. Taking the Michelangelo approach

The common approach is to start from where we are to where we want to go. A better way is that of Michelangelo approach where he visualized the image of David before he freed the figure by chipping away the unwanted pieces. Thus this approach involves starting from the destination and removing current obstacles that could obstruct its path.

3. Searching globally for successful solutions

Before trying new ideas, first do a search on whether a similar problem ahs been solved before. Sometimes the same or similar problem had already been solved in a small community within the same country itself. Many public innovations have been featured in magazines, papers and e-publications. Even unrelated creative solutions could trigger over practical innovations for public governance. This search will save a lot of time and reduces risk.

4. Innovating the wheel

Once successful solutions have been found, the next step is to adapt the solution to the issue at hand. This progression is termed “ Innovating the wheel” as there’s no need to re-invent a new solution when you can creatively imitate a proven workable successful solution. The creativity lies with the adaptation process.

5. Facilitating participative re-creation

This is an important step to get involvement of all stakeholders in formulating a solution. Their involvement will ensure their support for implementation and possible mitigate objections and protests. Moreover, it will cultivate a sense of ownership of the community.

6. Sensitizing, elaborating & winning acceptance

Progression 5 will only accommodate a limited number of interested stakeholders in the project. Prior to carrying out implementation, it is imperative to sensitize the involved the community on solution through the mass media or other forms of communication to let them know hat is coming. Then , it is followed by elaboration of the plans which could be politically and socially sensitive. Some people with vested interest could also be adversely affected.

7. Recognizing & celebrating

There’s nothing like recognition and celebration at both the launching and celebration of the project to motivate the community to support future projects. It will instill a sense of pride and ownership among members of the community, the government agencies concerned and the politicians who made the project possible.

The author, Kam Yew is an international speaker, trainer and best-selling author on creativity. He is available for keynote speeches, in-house training and problem-solving & idea generation facilitation. He can be contacted at DrYKK@mindbloom.net