How to Survive As an Executive

As executives, we encounter ethical dilemmas in our professional life almost every day. Some ethical questions have quick and straightforward answers and a clear right and wrong. But sometimes, challenges do not align with our personal values and our responsibilities as public servants.

Judith Brunet, Ombud and Director of the Centre of Values and Ethics at Parks Canada, explains how to navigate the uncertain world of values and ethics.

Ms. Brunet discusses:

• The importance of understanding the different      angles of an ethical dilemma
• The value of integrity, transparency and      communication when tackling the situations you face
• The resources available to support executives

Guest: Judith Brunet, Ombud and Director of the Centre of Values and Ethics, Parks Canada

Host: Annie Therriault, on behalf of the Canada School of Public Service

As an executive, it is not always easy to speak truth to power. Sometimes, you may be concerned that sharing difficult news might have a negative impact on your career.

Michel Doiron, former Associate Deputy Minister at Veterans Affairs Canada, shares some tips and tricks on how to brief senior management with bad news while giving facts and the full picture.

Mr. Doiron discusses:

• the importance of delivering all the facts to support decision-making
• how to set expectations with your boss about speaking truth to power
• the value in building rapport with key players

Guest: Michel Doiron, Retired Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Veterans Affairs Canada

Host: Annie Therriault, on behalf of the Canada School of Public Service

How does being a director differ from being a director general or an assistant deputy minister? How do you know when you are ready to move to the next level?

Stephen Burt, Assistant Deputy Minister at National Defence, explains what to consider when comparing the various roles in the executive cadre. He discusses some of the considerations you need to take into account in order to be successful at your level within the organizational echelon:

• effective leadership behaviours
• the responsibilities that come with these roles
• maintaining a balance between personal and professional life

Duration: 14:11

Guest: Stephen Burt, Assistant Deputy Minister, Data, Innovation and Analytics at the Department of National Defence

Host: Annie Therriault, on behalf of the Canada School of Public Service

As an executive, you may be afraid to take risks and make mistakes that might damage your career. But everyone makes mistakes. What’s important is knowing how you can innovate and experiment despite the possibility of failure.

Caroline Xavier, Associate Deputy Minister at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, talks about the best way to proceed when you make a mistake, big or small. Ms. Xavier discusses:

• how to rebuild trust with a supervisor after making a mistake
• smart risk-taking
• creating a culture for innovation and experimentation
• being open to feedback

Duration: 14:14

Guest: Caroline Xavier, Associate Deputy Minister at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Like many public servants, you joined the Public Service of Canada to make a difference in the lives of Canadians. On the way to doing that, though, you found you had to navigate a rigid system with forms to fill out, procedures to use, and rules to follow. It can sometimes feel like a burden.

But you have ideas to share. And constructive solutions to offer. This episode is for you!

Join us for a conversation on shaking up the status quo:

· what to consider

· making a plan

· taking the steps and

· what to do if you don’t get the results you were hoping for

Guest: David Conabree, Director General, Employment Programs Directorate, Human Resources Branch, Canada Revenue Agency

Host: Julie Blais Comeau, Learning Designer, Canada School of Public Service

You love your job as an executive, but it’s not always easy. You do your best to balance your personal life with your professional role. When stress arises, you strive to remain calm and behave in an authentic way while staying open to the world.

Valerie Gideon, Ph.D., in conversation with our host, shares tips and best practices to help you:

• manage your stress
• honour all of your roles
• stay true to your identity while being open-hearted

Guest: Valerie Gideon, Ph.D., is a member of the Mi’kmaq Nation of Gesgapegiag, Quebec, Canada. She is Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Indigenous Services Canada.

Host: Julie Blais Comeau, Learning Advisor, Canada School of Public Service

Networking. Intimidating and dreaded by many, this professional activity is vital to increasing your knowledge and maintaining your relationships.

Through anecdotes and sharing practical advice, our guest and host talk about how to:

• create your network
• build mutually beneficial relationships
• contribute to your network, and why it's important

Duration: 17:12

The Government of Canada pivoted quickly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From coast to coast to coast, executives led their teams in transitioning to home offices while continuing to serve Canadians and adapt to the national lockdown.

In this conversation, our host and guest speaker address:

· the phases that executives and their teams may experience

· coping strategies

· the importance of communication and staying connected

Duration: 13:21

Guest: Pablo Sobrino, retired assistant deputy minister and current Faculty Member, Canada School of Public Service

Host: Annie Therriault, Faculty Member, Canada School of Public Service