MESSAGE FOR WEEK BEGINNING 3rd September 2001

Simplifying Units

I once suggested to the Singapore Public Service that they should set up two internal units. The first unit would be a 'Speed Up Unit'. When procedures seemed to be taking too long, a person would go to this unit who would then find out, on behalf of the applicant, why things were taking so long. Norms would be established and deviations scrutinised. This would be the body within an organisation fighting for somebody outside the organisation. This is a more specific role than just an omsbudsman. The unit would also aim to bring down the norms so things could be done more quickly.

Another internal unit would be the 'Simplifying Unit'. The job of this unit would be to simplify procedures, applications, methods etc. This simplification would be both for the benefit of those working within the organisation and also for the benefit of the general public.

Edward de Bono nmt
1st September 2001 New York