🚨 Monday 14 March, 2011. It’s 8.15am and I’m twitchy.

It’s my first day working as a Public Servant.

As I get ready, I’m asking myself, “Leanne, have you made the right decision?!”

We’ve all heard war stories about what it’s like working for the government: The endless paperwork, general apathy, over-engineered processes, decision limbo, tons of meetings (although, I guess that applies to the private sector, too!)

What made it trickier is that I just left one of the LOOSEST companies in the world (No joke, it was loose: For inspiration, I’d grab a can of spray paint and just spray the office walls, film roadtrip videos around Australia and NZ, and we also ran something called “The Naked Special” - that’s a post for another day).

And yet, here I was, about to start a job with THE GOVERNMENT.

When I arrived on site, I was told the Managing Director wanted to have a word with me.

I thought I was in trouble already (I guess it’s like when you walk past a police officer and expect them to pick you up for something 🚔).

I walked into her office and took a seat.

I clearly remember her saying:

➡️. “We’re so excited to have you here! We want you to bring your youthful enthusiasm, and fresh ideas. Leanne, don’t hesitate to try out new things, take a risk, and experiment. If you need anything, you can reach out, anytime.”

LinkedIn, wow. This completely changed the GAME.

(Thank you, and kudos to you, Karen Dickinson I doubt you remember that conversation!).

I loved working here. I stayed in Broome, working for the Government of WA, Department of Training and Workforce Development for 5.5 years. My first major project was a big six month rebranding project. Given Karen’s support, the change was effortless.

Anytime I was faced with a decision and I had the option of “being traditional” I remembered that chat.

I often hear people saying “create an environment that fosters innovation” and it sounds like some hard, esoteric thing.

🤷🏽 🤷🏽How do you do that?

What I love about this example is the incredible impact of a five minute conversation.

Fast forward to today.

✅ I’m STILL against bureaucracy, paper-pushing, and endless, lengthy processes that tie your people up, and prevent them from getting real results.

It’s one of the reasons I’m pumped about my upcoming workshop series called Beyond Bureaucracy.

I’m partnering with Valuable Change expert, Brendon Baker on a series of Australian and virtual workshops to help you generate momentum in complex places.

Our waitlist is now open! ⬇️ ⬇️

Find a link in the comments.

💬 Where were you working in 2011?

#beyondbureaucracy #charismaticchange #workshops #changemanagement