2010 Work Plan for Planning Department

My Department has a soul searching session for last week. Staffs were gathered to brainstorm the way forward and work programmes for the year 2010 and beyond. The Director emphasized on professionalism, facilitation, communication and continue improvement in carrying our duties. I spoke about revisiting the core business of planning profession and the Department by looking at the emerging trend such as climate change, globalisation, demography change and local circumstances. It is important of incorporating sustainable development for future strategic planning. Others were also mentioned about the need for efficiency in service delivery, team work and integrity.

I found the session was interesting as staff have opportunities to listen to other section head on the functions and their work plan. Many I believe have heard about Local Agenda 21 Petaling Jaya and even helped out in some of the activities, but have not bothered to understand the terminology better and to translate the principles into work process. I am glad for getting the chance to share.

The discussion was done in very cordial atmosphere and participation is active. I think it is a participatory planning in practice. Under such informal circumstances and without social class barrier between officers and staffs, every one is given the chance to voice their views and suggestion, to me is an achievement. I think, staffs from all level should be allowed more opportunities to voice their views without filtering by others. Hence, the proposal of having Brain Box is very much welcome. Staffs are requested to suggest any ideas in relation to quality, work process or even personal matter at the beginning of every month. The best idea will be rewarded and implemented by the proposer and assisted by others. By doing so, we are encouraging innovation and creativity, and importantly to recognise the individual with good idea. I believe, for any organisation striving for knowledge management, this is pre-perquisite.