Top tips for rookie cabinet ministers

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/08/2023 (788 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RECENTLY, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shuffled his 38-member cabinet including the appointment of seven first-time ministers. This prompted me to think about the challenges facing the newly minted ministers. Stepping into the role is a bit like being tossed into the deep end and having to quickly learn to swim.

For reasons too numerous to be enumerated here, the jobs of all ministers have, in recent decades, become more difficult, demanding and politically risky. Not all ministerial jobs are the same. Some involve contentious policy matters and are high profile, whereas others involve more operational, less visible matters. This means there is no one playbook which works in all situations. Becoming a successful minister is akin to mastering a craft that takes time and experience.

Ministers come to their roles with different character traits, ambitions and talents. Some are policy wonks, others love the adrenaline rush that comes with being at the centre of the government decision-making process, and others are ceremonial ministers who thrive on the publicity and perks that come with the job.

New ministers tend to overestimate their skills in dealing with issues and underestimate the trouble they can create for themselves. Studies indicate that rookie ministers are more prone to make mistakes.

The first advice to a new minister is remember your job involves a two-way relationship: representing your department to the rest of government and representing the government’s priorities to the department.

This means that you should pursue a small number of issues, focusing on them in a disciplined manner. Those issues will likely come out of the mandate letter issued by the prime minister. Keeping in touch with the center of government is essential to moving forward with policy and personal goals.

Don’t be endlessly diverted by pressures from the public service and outside interest groups to take on new commitments. Time is the most scarce resource in government, so don’t load up your days with meetings unrelated to your main objectives. Don’t be rushed into making decisions which may backfire politically.

There are several types of support to help new ministers master a steep learning curve. The public service provides briefing books but the contents tend to be descriptive of pending issues, without highlighting potential pitfalls. Be ready to do a large amount of reading if you want to master the substance of your policy and governing roles.

You will be part of a triangular relationship, working closely with a deputy minister and a political chief of staff, both of whom are appointed through central processes controlled by the prime minister. Developing mutual understanding and trust within the triangle is crucial to your success.

Take your departmental leadership role seriously. You won’t get far without having the backing of the public service. Strive to develop a robust policy culture which accepts challenges both internally and from outside. Don’t too easily accept one dimensional policy advice that is based on too much certainty. Insist on options.

Don’t attempt to micromanage implementation of policy but insist on knowing about progress and problems being experienced in translating decisions into practice. Support the creation of safe channels through which problems can be brought to the top of your department in a timely manner. Make sure the departmental employees feel appreciated and take pride in their work.

Don’t become swamped by departmental business and neglect spending time working on relationships with the central agencies, cabinet, caucus and Parliament, including a more independent Senate. Also, recognize that working effectively with other orders of government is necessary for getting many things done. Having reliable allies can be crucial when you are having trouble gaining support for policies or are entangled in controversy.

Even if you are not a naturally gifted media performer, you must recognize that you need the media to publicize what you are doing. Take the communications training new ministers are offered. Your media contacts can be friendly and responsible, but they are not loyal friends who will give you the benefit of the doubt if things go wrong.

Long hours, lots of pressures and sacrifices in one’s personal life are a condition of the job. Like death and taxes, losing the job is inevitable. Whether your time in office is short or long, the role is a privilege so try to enjoy it.

Even though the Manitoba government is smaller, these tips will be relevant after the October election. If the NDP wins, all the members of cabinet, including the premier, may be first timers. With one third of the PC caucus voluntarily retiring, a victory for Heather Stefanson would also mean many rookies in cabinet.

Either way, when the legislature next meets, many new ministers will be thrown into the deep end.

Paul G. Thomas is professor emeritus of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba.