Organised silence

2/5/2022

Silence is associated with many virtues: modesty, restraint and politeness.

And, thanks to profoundly ingrained settler rules of institutional etiquette, people choose silence rather than confrontation or acknowledging difference.

I am doing a Phd in free and frank advice because I have seen far too many officials and officers in public and private sectors fall into line by choosing silence and submission rather than speaking up. People would rather say ‘Yes Minister’ or ‘Yes boss’ than help their governors make better decisions.

I am hoping my Phd takes some of the gold plating off silence.

Specifically, I am hoping my research shows that while silence is ubiquitous, Ministers do not expect it.

He rereke, Ministers understand how costly silence or the failure of officials to offer free and frank advice is to both their political goals and the public service as an institution.

In addition, the literature and research are clear, silence and the failure to enable and protect the regulated speech of officials exacts a high psychological price on individuals, creates anger and resentment, and can contaminate every interaction between management and governors and shut down creativity, and undermine productivity.

So, if you are a Minister or a board member reading this, ask yourself: Am I comfortable with hearing the truth to power from my advisors, or would I prefer they kept quiet?

Asked differently, do I place unanimity, polite relationships, and getting the work done above hearing alternative and different views, and at what cost?

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