Disturbing lack of goal alignment between IT provider and the States
‘SYSTEMIC failure refers to a complete breakdown or collapse within a system that occurs due to multiple interconnected factors or failures, rather than being attributed to a single isolated incident. It implies a fundamental flaw or breakdown in the overall structure, processes, or functioning of a system, leading to its inability to operate effectively or achieve its intended goals.’
Reading between the lines in a recent report and from Deputy Ferbrache’s hollow and cliched words, there is clearly a disturbing lack of goal alignment between Agilisys, the States of Guernsey, and what is left of the civil service IT department. Communication at a fundamental level must have completely broken down for this embarrassing catalogue of errors to occur. This is not smart Guernsey; this is very stupid Guernsey and anyone in charge of, or associated with, IT in any of these three areas trying to point the finger of blame at someone else is an exercise in embarrassing and ridiculous futility.
Our politicians are responsible for making sure systemic failure does not occur, ever, and for managing the situation as aggressively and ruthlessly as possible if system failure is looking likely. This is what ‘competent government’ looks like. We are not there, not even close, and the fact that this debacle has been allowed to go on for so long goes to show how far out of touch with the reality of the situation our Policy & Resources team actually is. President Harry Truman had a sign on his desk that said ‘The buck stops here’ That says it all, really.
Morale, accountability, and motivation in IT civil service staff at Sir Charles Frossard House must be at an all-time low because when nobody cares enough to do basic housekeeping or maintenance, or even the simplest administration to ensure there is a decent business continuity plan in place, or when there is a distinct lack of clearly aligned planning to address a documented report of a 90% likelihood of a breakdown of mission-critical equipment, there is clearly a dearth of honest and effective leadership from the very top and right the way down. Every so-called leader (past and present) should take a good look in the mirror and realise the damage they have done and the long-term implications that this is having on our international reputation.
There are several slang terms that are sometimes used to describe a lack of personal accountability in the workplace. Here are a few examples:
‘Passing the buck’: This phrase refers to the act of shifting responsibility or blame onto others instead of taking ownership of one’s actions or mistakes.
‘Throwing shade’: While primarily associated with criticism or insults, ‘throwing shade’ can also imply a lack of personal accountability by indirectly or subtly shifting blame onto others.
‘Blame game’: This term describes a situation where individuals or teams engage in a cycle of blaming each other rather than accepting responsibility for their own actions or mistakes.
‘Finger-pointing’: This phrase refers to the act of accusing or blaming others for problems or failures, often without taking personal responsibility for one’s own contribution to the situation.
‘Slacking off’: While not directly related to accountability, this term is commonly used to describe someone who avoids or neglects their responsibilities in the workplace, often resulting in a lack of accountability for their actions.
None of these things are what Guernsey needs for its IT solution. Unfortunately, unless our top politicians deal effectively, assertively, and fairly with the situation, that is exactly what is going to happen.
BOB MCGONAGALL
bobmcgonagall3@gmail.com