The power of mindset - the public sector
Do we understand the world we live in, what can learn from past experiences and history, what can we learn from others, and how can we best relate to exponential change in technology. How shall we address our environmental challenges ahead, what is important for our citizens and employees. Ultimately the question is what kind of society do we want and what do we need to do to facilitate the change?
In this period of transition, we propose that our mindset can and will have a fundamental effect on the public sector goals to give a relevant and dynamic service to its citizens.
Mindset1 can be described as "mindset is a belief that orients the way we handle situations—the way we sort out what is going on and what we should do.
Our mindsets help us spot opportunities, but they can also trap us in self-defeating cycles.”2 We would also suggest that humility is a prerequisite of a growth mindset.3
Empower your humble mindset
"The mind is a powerful force, and we can use it to make our lives better or worse. Start by making it a practice to become aware of your thoughts, the type of thoughts you are having, and start choosing positive ones" ~ Bhaili Gill, Psychologist (org), Coach, Trainer and Founder of Corporate Wellbeing4
An interpretation of Gill's brain-training tips on the way forward with the perspective of a humble mindset can be described in the following four steps;
- Practice mindfulness and become more aware of your mental landscape
- Recognize the thoughts that align with your goals and values
- Choose your humble thoughts that truly serving you and your transition and commit to them
- As a positive ambassador you are a role model for humble leadership
New perspectives
DIGG7 is an authority under the Ministry of Finance in Sweden, with the task of supporting, coordinating and following up digitization in Swedish public administration. According to the report Digitala Sverige 20228 the public sector in Sweden is having difficulties in harnessing the potential in new technologies to deliver a relevant service to its citizens.
"A comprehensive picture based on international comparisons shows that Sweden's public administration is more uneven in the delivery of public digital services than is the case in other top-performing countries. The development is also slower in Sweden than in several other comparable countries."
We in Sweden, but also of course globally, are amid and facing several paradigms shifts that are connected to the rapid technological development and the sustainable transition, our aging population and not least expectations from our citizens and employees. All these parameters affect how we communicate, live, coexist, consume, learn, do business, consume, work and create relationships and innovate.
We live in a time where we see a wide impact of Artificial Intelligence in particular in the area of Generative AI9 (Gen AI) such as Chat GPT has a profound effect on individuals, professional roles but also on organisations. The questions we need to ask are how we harness the possibilities of AI to deliver a relevant service to our citizens.
As Allison Cohen10 puts it
”AI has the capacity to change everything, from the way we think to the way we express ourselves.”
”What we can expect, and what will be hard to anticipate.”
To overcome the challenges, new approaches may need to be considered. We suggest that we need to approach the challenges and possibilities holistically.
The four-leaf clover mindset
The concept of the four-leaf Clover grew out of our discussions to facilitate change from a holistic perspective.
A four-leaf clover is rare and said to bring good luck. The image of the four-leaf clover can be a reminder of the power of mindset. It is wise and prudent to stop and think holistically before starting new initiatives in the business.
That mindset provides a holistic view by combining the perspectives of customer, employee, AI and digitization as well as sustainability to improve overall organizational effectiveness, innovation and social responsibility.
The four-leaf clover mindset is about;
- Respond to customer needs and improve the customer experience
- To empowering employees and collaborative culture
- Optimize organizational processes and gain insights into customer behaviour
- Reduce waste and conserving resources and also apply ethical and sustainable practices
Benefit realisation
We use the four-leaf clover approach to unlock the potential for benefit realization in our customer projects. The approach is about;
- Using AI and digitization increases the understanding of customers' needs. The company's products and services can be tailored in a sustainable way according to customer demand.
- Fostering a culture of employee empowerment and collaboration allows organizations to harness the collective creativity and expertise of their workforce to drive innovation and sustainable growth.
- Your business could develop in a socially and environmentally responsible way.
In conclusion
We live in an interconnected world where a holistic approach with the four-leaf clover mindset can help organizations remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing world, while having a positive impact on society and the planet.
Food for thought
- What do you want the world to look like
- How would you describe your own mindset
- How would you describe your organisations mindset
- What is your next step in the way forward
- How do you work with your organizational culture journey
