This book exposes the inherent complexities and challenges found in government environments and offers insights to help bureaucrats, and those working alongside bureaucrats, better understand the dynamics of provincial government in Canada.
The authors are career civil servants with more than 60 years of service between them. They share practical advice and include insights from senior bureaucrats and academics, about how best to navigate relationships within the government sector. The result is an entertaining and fast-paced read.
The book is aimed at civil servants, politicians, media, unions, lobbyists and others who work closely with the bureaucracy and who want to better understand how the system works.
"We want to lift the veil on the world of bureaucracy," write Jane Allt and Angela Poirier in their introduction to this book. For anyone working in government, they offer an informal guide based on their experience on how to survive and prosper in a complex and challenging environment. For everyone else, they provide valuable insight into how bureaucrats think and act, and how to work successfully with them.
Among the topics covered:
- government workplace culture
- the love-hate relationship between bureaucrats and politicians
- how bureaucrats plan for new policies and measures — and how they can stall them
- the bureaucracy's role in selling government policies and actions
"We share the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to serving elected officials," the authors say, and they deliver the goods. The authors are career civil servants with more than 60 years of service between them. They share their experiences plus case studies, talking points and insights from senior bureaucrats and academics. The result is an insightful, entertaining and fast-paced read.
"Reading this book will give you practical insights on how to navigate public organizations and make a difference in society."
- Jocelyne Bourgon, former Clerk of the Privy Council
"A rare and valuable behind-the-scenes look at government."
- The Saltwire Network
The authors are former career civil servants with more than 60 years of service combined who have worked in many different government departments including HR, justice, finance, transportation and culture. They are excited about building camaraderie and offering guidance to people dedicated to serving the public good. Jane Allt lives in Halifax and Angela Poirier lives in Shad Bay, Nova Scotia.
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