Nellie Mayshak Brings Change Management Expertise to Public Service Reform

OAKVILLE, ON, Jan. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - A critical need among developing economies is public sector institutions that operate effectively and efficiently. But effective change management programs to foster their evolution often encounter barriers, according to public service reform specialist Nellie Mayshak.

Nellie Mayshak is the founder and president of Canaf Consulting Associates Inc. Since 2004, she and her team have undertaken numerous reform projects in countries around the world that are developing or recovering from periods of civil strife. Change management is key to the reform process and an important aspect of Canaf's consulting practice.

Change management is a structured approach that transitions organizations toward significantly improved performance. The public sector, Nellie Mayshak explains, faces distinct challenges with this that are even more pronounced in countries that are building or rebuilding from a shaky base.

Mayshak has found the three most notable challenges to effective change management are:

• Limited knowledge of change management that exists in developing countries, including limited knowledge of processes involved within change management, as well as executional strategies.
• A resistance to buy into change and to buy into the goal of transforming institutions and processes for the better. In these instances, communicating with stakeholders is vital, as well as explaining to them that positive, constructive change is possible.
• A shortage of change advocates who can help communicate project goals to stakeholders and describe the greater vision behind transformative projects.

"We were able to overcome such barriers in change management initiatives that Canaf supported as part of reform projects in South Africa, Ghana, Sudan, Nigeria and Liberia, among other countries," Mayshak explains.

In Nigeria and Liberia, Mayshak's work involved developing national civil/public service reform projects and included coordinating such facets as pay and pension reform, along with improving service delivery. In Ghana, the end result was improved institutional governance structures and processes.

Success, Nellie Mayshak has found, comes down to the ability to win over stakeholders, citizens and employees by communicating often; having a policy of transparency; having and following a clear road map that states objectives and priorities, and involving people interested in the change.

About Canaf Consulting Associates

Based in Ontario, Canada and led by Nellie Mayshak, Canaf Consulting is a well-regarded specialist in government and public administration reform, helping countries transform their governance and public services to meet the standards of successful, advanced democracies.

SOURCE Nellie Mayshak

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