April, 2000

Love is the answer.

In this issue:
Ken Wiesner's leadership style has transformed the way government is run at the District of Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada.

I am often inspired by the vision and passion of the people I work with. Ken Wiesner is Chief Administrative Officer for the District of Pitt Meadows, a suburb of Vancouver, which is experiencing growing pains. The needs of a growing urban population threaten the traditional agricultural sector. During a discussion on leadership and change, Ken stopped me in my tracks when he told me "whatever the problem, love is the answer." What? I'm hearing this from the government?

Here is Ken Wiesner's story:

In real estate, they say that there are three important things - location, location and location. In families, business and government, the three most important things are relationships, relationships and relationships.

Last winter we had a twenty-seven hour controversial public hearing where both sides were extremely charged and believed that each was right. For the first twelve-hour day, I sat there listening and became personally involved and emotionally charged to the point where I thought some of the speakers were out-to-lunch.

During the second, third and fourth nights, I told myself that I should walk my talk. Whatever the problem, love is the answer. I said this over and over in my mind hundreds, perhaps thousands, of times for the next three days. Magic started to happen. I listened to each and every speaker regardless of which side of the issue they were on.

The effect was miraculous. I felt an inner peace. I could see the good points everyone presented. I could see their good intentions. I quit judging. I did not get emotional or self-righteous. What a fantastic feeling! I had to keep saying over and over again, "Whatever the problem, love is the answer."

Love is the secret to solving problems, building relationships and increasing your power and influence. Is it easy? No. Is it effective? Yes."

I asked Ken what effect he had on the public hearing. He told me that by being calm and at peace he could be a positive influence in a heated situation. I wondered how Ken's staff responds to his philosophy on love. Each time I asked his staff the question, I'd hear a quiet little chuckle, then a tribute to Ken's leadership.

Bruce McWilliam, Planner, told me when Ken arrived at Pitt Meadows about ten years ago, the municipality was in a state of political turmoil. Ken introduced business practices to government by breaking down departmental empires and having people focus on customer service. People started looking out for one another instead of working against each other. Each morning they have a 15 minute think tank to discuss what's happening and what's on people's minds. Sharing in this way has helped people work together and build camaraderie.

Jim Lowry, Director, Development Engineering, told me when a conflict arises people tell each other "hey, remember, love is the answer." They also apply this to one of Covey's seven habits —"seek first to understand, before being understood." Everyone has a point of view and a right to their point of view. Love is the answer in understanding an opposing point of view. Jim said day-to-day trust building and relationship building is more important to getting the job done than what is written in any contract. Ken Wiesner encourages people to take risks and do what it takes to get the job done. "If people aren't making mistakes, they aren't getting ahead."

Daryl Birtch, building official and union member, says under Ken's leadership, people are empowered to be creative, and to take on leadership roles no matter what title they hold. There is only one caveat — don't get sued! Rules for how meetings are conducted— respect and honour ideas; argue issues not personality— have helped improve relationships, notably in labour relations.

Pitt Meadows was the first municipality in Canada to pass sprinkler legislation which effectively turned every home into a fire department. This eliminated the need to have a fire hall in every five mile radius (a costly proposition).

Next month I'll pass on Pitt Meadows' full set of guidelines for meetings. In the meantime, when someone presents you with an idea you don't agree with, find something you can love about that idea.

Happy creating!
Linda Naiman

Post Script: Ken Wiesner retired as CAOof the District of Pitt Meadows in the fall of 2000. I had the priviledge of attending his roast, where 300 of his friends, family and colleagues paid tribute to him. I was amazed to hear the former mayor of Pitt Meadows, the chief financial officer, firemen and others say, 'love is the answer,' when they honoured Ken and his contributions to the community. It shows how embedded this motto is, in the culture of the District of Pitt Meadows.