A view of city hall and the South Saskatchewan River.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
I love that public sector organizations are so diverse and multigenerational in nature. It gives us an opportunity to work with a wide variety of minds and perspectives. This diversity lends itself to unique problem-solving when we are attempting to provide municipal services in a very complex world. With such a dynamic environment, the opportunity to collaborate with people from different backgrounds is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Recently, a younger member of my team said, “Public service is a team sport.” It was one of those truisms that we instinctively know but gave me an opportunity to reflect further. Providing municipal services doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In every community, there are multilayers of organizations and individuals working together to ensure services are accessible and effective. The success of these efforts hinges on our collective contributions.
We are interdependent on everyone. All hands on deck, as it were. This includes all of us as residents. What is expected of us? We all need to ask ourselves, “What type of community do we want to call home?” and “How can we make this a better place?” These self-reflections are important to move the needle forward. Status quo is not good enough if we’re striving for a thriving, resilient community.
The concept of systems thinking offers valuable insight here. Systems thinking is a holistic view of how the different parts of a system interact with and influence one another. When applied to public services, it highlights the interconnectedness of government, organizations, and citizens. Where then do individual citizens fit in? We are part of the system and therefore part of its effectiveness. Our influence will determine how well the community functions.
Every decision and interaction we make will have both intentional and unintentional consequences. Being thoughtful about our place in the larger system of community is essential. Our actions and inactions matter. Communities are reflections of the people within them. As Tupac Shakur once said, “I’m a reflection of my community.” This quote serves as a powerful reminder that our collective actions and inactions shape the identity and future of the places we live. Whether through small, everyday acts of kindness or larger, organized efforts, each of us has the ability to contribute meaningfully.
So, where do we go from here? It starts with recognizing that public service truly is a team sport-one that requires participation from all of us. By asking ourselves how we can make our community better and following through with intentional actions, we can build a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations. Together, as public servants, citizens, and community members, we form the intricate system that shapes our collective future. By working in unison, we can create a community that not only functions but flourishes.
Ann Mitchell is the city manager for the City of Medicine Hat
