Taking the Corporate View: A Seminar for Newly-Appointed Provincial and Territorial Assistant Deputy Ministers

When: Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 17:30 – Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 16:00

Where: Delta Hotel and Suite, Ottawa

An effective Assistant Deputy Minister requires strong policy and management skills, effective co-ordination and excellent communication. The ADM must also be able to balance his or her role with that of the Deputy Minister, external pressures, and personal needs. Mastery of these skills comes through a combination of theory and practice.  It cannot be learned in an academic environment.  The challenge is to find effective ways to help responsible officials reflect on and draw lessons from their own practical experiences and from peers around the country.

Format
This seminar took place over two days, launched by an opening dinner with a keynote address delivered by a prominent speaker. The seminar maximized the sharing of information and expertise among experienced public officials. Presentations, case studies, and expert resources from across the country were used to stimulate discussion and debate among the participants in a safe, informal environment. The seminar drew on the expertise of a broad range of individuals who have worked in small and large departments or had studied the role of the ADM. In order to maximize opportunities for dialogue and learning, the program was limited to 25 participants.