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Leadership
The values underpinning a government's leadership have an impact on not only its operational practices, but the distribution of power and ultimately public perception.
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Wellbeing
Tackling interconnected crises — from climate breakdown to social inequality — requires government workforces with the wellbeing and resilience to operate at their full potential.
Mindset
Governance mindset refers to the core beliefs and world views held by those working in governments. The dominant mindset within governments shapes how policies are set and services are delivered.
Why transform governance mindset?
See the big picture: from transactional to relational
Governments often act as service providers, delivering policies and programmes (more hospitals, more prisons), rather than as enablers creating conditions for better outcomes (healthier communities, lower crime). This transactional mindset misses opportunities to foster collaboration across all economic realms: the commons, households, markets, and the state.
Think in systems: from controlling to learning
Complex challenges require flexibility rather than neatly aligned plans or static goals. The impacts of government actions are often unpredictable, and linear cause-and-effect relationships are difficult to establish. Focusing too heavily on controlling risks and outcomes constrains governments' ability to learn and adapt.
Be regenerative and distributive by design: from reactive to preventative
Short-term political cycles trap governments in reactive modes, favouring quick fixes over preventative approaches. This creates a vicious cycle of constantly reacting to symptoms rather than transforming divisive or extractive underlying systems.
Emerging alternatives: transforming mindset
The examples below show different possibilities to transform governance mindset. Use them as inspiration to find the approaches that resonate most with you.
Systems stewardship
Policymakers and civil servants see themselves as stewards of systems with multiple actors and decision makers, rather than at the top of a delivery chain.
Learn more:
- The Institute for Government's working paper System Stewardship: The future of policy making? explores the principles of system stewardship.
- The OECD's report Systems Approaches to Public Sector Challenges discusses the need for systems thinking in the public sector, and shares good practices. Additional good practices are explored in Redesigning Ireland's Transport for Net Zero: Towards Systems that Work for People and the Planet.
Human learning systems
Human learning systems shift governance from rigid, target-driven systems to flexible, learning-oriented approaches. They emphasise relationships, adaptability, and local contexts, enabling governments to respond effectively to complex challenges.
Learn more: The Human Learning Systems website collates theory, guides, and case studies.
Cultivating skills and capabilities to tackle complex issues
There are many frameworks and processes designed to transform mindsets, developing the essential skills and organisational practices required to address complex societal challenges.
Learn more:
- The Presencing Institute offers tools, methods, and workshops based on Theory U, a process-oriented approach that guides individuals and groups through a journey of awareness-based change, emphasising ‘presencing’, a deep connection with the emerging future.
- Inner Development Goals: Inner Growth for Outer Change identifies and helps strengthen a set of 23 skills and qualities that are considered essential for navigating the complexities of sustainable development.
Share your ideas and approaches
Do you have any other ideas on how governance mindset can be transformed? We would welcome your feedback and suggestions.
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