The Westminster Tradition Imagine if … your sleepy grants program woke up
Nov 10, 2025
Dive into the chaotic world of public administration as hosts explore the tension between legality and leadership. They discuss the dilemma of managing upwards amidst escalating media pressure and the risks of informal intel. Insights on why every government problem is a shared concern unfold, alongside strategies for seeking written directions and preparing under pressure. The risks of decision paralysis and the importance of clarifying authority are examined, all while navigating the realities that keep programs from waking up.
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Sleepy Grants And Anxious Leadership
- The program manager runs a sleepy community infrastructure grant with unclear ownership and expectations.
- The director is anxious and waits to be told what's important rather than setting priorities.
Media Spark From A Radio Call-In
- ABC radio call-ins spark a media surge about river infrastructure and waste stations.
- The program manager jokes via emojis with an Environment colleague and the issue lands in leadership discussions.
Keep Personal File Notes
- Keep a contemporaneous personal file note when asked to do something you feel uneasy about.
- Use private notes to record who said what and when so you can explain decisions later.