Jack Kruf and Hans Redert | January 2019

Based on interviews with directors and managers in the public domain, we have developed the following ‘simple’ formula to determine the likelihood of governance outcomes. The formula is developed from our position and role as city manager in the public domain of the province, region, city, village, district, neighbourhood, or street.

SF x MF x IP = R

At the start, of course, there is always a preliminary Issue to be resolved. After all, otherwise, there is nothing to govern. In the highly politically driven landscape of the public domain, examples of issues can be found in the daily headlines of papers and magazines. We do not elaborate on this, but we faced many issues in our interviews where the formula was ‘launching’ itself.

The formula has three determinants, distilled with extreme care, that are multiplied together to determine the final outcome. The formula explained:

SF = Stimulating Frames

Explaining the path or task ahead to the entire playing field of involved organisations and citizens is essential. This insight proves crucial to being able and willing to act in a focused and coordinated way.  Leadership in this respect is value-driven, stimulating, giving incentives, and herding.

MF = Management Force

The result can only be achieved if a force of management is present and available. This is a balanced set where knowledge, skills, styles, and characters are aligned.  

IP = Investment Power

This is basic. Calculating what is needed in terms of budget, time, and capacity requires sound knowledge and extreme care when applying the right legal and financial instruments.

R = Result

This is the outcome of all the efforts aimed at resolving, or at least acceptably changing, the Issue. 

The math

The peculiarity of the formula is that the result of an effort to tackle an issue can be estimated relatively quickly and precisely. With a targeted and open enquiry among stakeholders, any politician, director, manager, or employee can do the math.

Interviewees pointed out that in the grammar of this formula, it emerges that if one of the determinants is zero, the outcome, the Result, is also zero. In other words, all determinants should be ‘on’ simultaneously.

Application

In evaluating the application of the formula, the inventors Kruf and Redert conclude that it can lead to adequate and quick diagnosis, and encourage openness and dialogue.

The formula is also, in daily practice, perceived as awkward, uncomfortable, or confrontational because it directly brings forward where the project, strategy, policy, or effort is hampered or could be blocked.  It can even weaken the position or credibility of the involved players in advance.

‘Denial’ of the obvious is a phenomenon that occurs very regularly in politics and management. With this formula applied upfront, it is barely possible. Using the formula is helpful for authentic leadership with an open mind. It encourages the discussion, dialogue, and co-creation necessary for success.