Free and Frank Advice and Being a Good Guest

01/02/2021

Suppose you are working in public policy right now.

In that case, you will know that the most precious commodity is not information – information is abundant.

Nor is it knowledge – there is an oversupply of competent advisers – many of whom have a strong opinion or a long-held view and are confident in their advice.

The most valuable commodity is time.

The ‘future’ in public policy is four years at its longest point on the horizon, and probably three years if one is honest. And, every day spent sitting in meetings with 20-page power-point decks is one day shorter from that horizon.

Advisers need to keep in mind that ministers, politicians and boards are in a hurry. They are busy people. Combine their pace and engagement with the fact that most of them have many sources of advice, which means they are better plugged into the ‘real world’ than many of their belt-way advisers.

My personal experience is that the best ministers, politicians, and boards would rather hear the bad news and unhappy reports, so long as the advice is well-reasoned, supported by data and argument, and presented without rancour, value judgments, or arrogance.

Suppose you want your advice to be part of the routine and rhythm of key decision-makers. In that case, you need to have something to say. It needs to add value to the role and strategy the decision-makers have outlined and be a product that those same people cannot get anywhere else.

You also have to be mindful of how you deliver your product.

The best public policy advisers are humble enough to recognise they are optional extras. They are guests at someone else’s dinner party. And, like any guest who wants to be invited back, they don’t get drunk and spill the wine, they don’t insult the host or criticise the menu or the food, and they don’t overstay their welcome.

Remember, public policy, after all, arises in a political context – not just an administrative or managerial one.

Be a good guest.

Ma whero. Ma pango. Ka oti ai te mahi.

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