Sign up for the editor's
weekly newsletter
February 9, 2010
Taxpayers fund thinking caps for Swedish town's top brass
Published: 10 Nov 09 11:12 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/23176/20091110/
Dictionary tool Double click on a word to get a translation
Top level civil servants in Laholm in south-western Sweden have received a selection of different coloured hats worth 18,000 kronor ($2,600) in a bid to help the bearers think innovative thoughts.
- Dad reports rabbit-munching eagle to police (4 Nov 09)
- Agency pulls job ad seeking Swedes who like to get naked (3 Nov 09)
- Petrol station names and shames 'pump and run' thieves (30 Oct 09)
"This is a work tool, offering a non-traditional solution to a problem," she told newspaper Hallandsposten.
At 300 kronor each, the hats were produced locally and are specially tailored to help Laholm's leading civil servants form productive thoughts, with the different colours representing alternative modes of thinking. A yellow hat, for instance, is said to portray positive opportunities presented in a logical manner.
"At some level it has to be possible to be a bit crazy and think freely," said Kosunen-Eriksson.
"Everybody could do with a change of hat sometimes," she added.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Fark It!
Digg This
Facebook
Share everywhere
Send to a friend
Printable version
Twitter ThisToday's headlines
Three arrested for killing of Swedish soldiers
Three men have been arrested in Afghanistan on suspicion of being connected to the the death of Swedish soldiers Johan Palmlöv and Gunnar Andersson near Mazar-e Sharif on Sunday. READ (4 COMMENTS) »
Parental 'child sick leave' peaks in February
Each February, Swedish parents take an estimated 600,000 paid leave days to take care of sick children, according to new Social Insurance Agency statistics. READ »
'Only good foreign soldier on Afghan soil is a dead one': Myrdal
Swedish author and anti-war activist Jan Myrdal has sparked outrage following a public lecture in which he appeared to welcome the killing of Swedish, US and other soldiers. READ »
Sharp increase in asylum seeker deportations
The number of asylum seekers deported from Sweden rose by 1,300 during 2009, according to new figures from the Swedish Migration Agency. READ »
Dental service probed as girl dies after toothache
The Swedish Welfare Board is set to investigate the Swedish Public Dental Service after a nine-year-old girl died following repeated visits to the dentist complaining of toothache and an abscess. READ »
Ingrid, 79, declared dead by Swedish tax authorities
79-year-old Ingrid Ståhl of Malmö in southern Sweden found out to her surprise that she had been registered as dead after a mistake by the Swedish Tax Agency. READ (7 COMMENTS) »
Söderling claims comeback win
Swedish tennis star Robin Söderling showed no signs of the elbow complaint which knocked him out of the Australian Open, firing 26 aces to earn a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 win over Frenchman Florent Serra on Monday in the Rotterdam Open. READ »
Man shot on Stockholm street
A 29-year-old man was shot on Södermalm in Stockholm on Monday night. He was hit in the leg and in the shoulder, but was able to call an ambulance. No one has been arrested as the man refuses to talk to the police. READ (1 COMMENT) »
More Politics
- 09/02 'Only good foreign soldier on Afghan soil is a dead one': Myrdal »
- 07/02 Proposed tax writeoffs for computer and TV installation (10 comments) »
- 05/02 Green Party stumbles in new poll (5 comments) »
- 03/02 Palme assassination case to remain open (33 comments) »
- 02/02 Sweden and Poland push for nuclear arms cuts (32 comments) »
- 02/02 Ohlsson defies critics to claim EU minister post (3 comments) »
- 01/02 Margot Wallström lands top UN job (1 comment) »
- 01/02 Taxes and jobs dominate party leader debate (14 comments) »
- 30/01 Politician caught with child pornography stash »
- 29/01 Government closes voter gap: poll (12 comments) »
Find a new job in Sweden now
 |
Technical Support Stockholm |
Mercuri Urval |
 |
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO CEO (COPENHAGEN) Copenhagen |
Michael Page International |
 |
System Integrator for Server platform and Application in Core Network Kista |
HRM Affärsutveckling |
|
Technical Support Stockholm |
Mercuri Urval |
|
FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY CONSULTANT Stockholm |
Michael Page International |
 |
Sales Engineer as Regional Manager for Region South Sweden Landskrona |
Swep International AB |
Blog Update: Style in Sweden
Stockholm Fashion Week. Part Två. »
"Sorry for the late Stockholm fashion week update but I am in the north of Sweden and internet is not working very well. Anyway, I think Minimarket presented as usual the most interesting collection at fashion week. I am obviously not the only one who loves the clean and comic-like style of Minimarket as the..." READ »
- 08/2 14:00 Day 10 – Healthy Debate (Swedetalker)
- 05/2 16:37 Stockholm garbage collectors – an overpaid relic of a bygone age? (On Swedish Business)
- 05/2 11:00 A night at The Palace (110% LAGOM)
Poll
Are you interested in subletting your apartment in Sweden within the next two years?
Highlights
Latest news from The Local in Germany
- 09/02 Löw backs down in contract dispute »
- 09/02 Germans splashing out on Karneval despite bad economy »
- 09/02 Study finds major discrimination against Turkish job applicants »
- 09/02 Young literary star Hegemann counters plagiarism claim »
- 09/02 Hartz IV welfare benefits ruled unconstitutional »
Blog
- 5 questions for Diana Orving
Diana Orving’s line consists of organic yet edgy fashion. The garments are delicate and luxurious. Both structured and deconstructed elements coexist in many of her pieces and produce a surprising... - 5 questions for The Local Firm
The Local Firm is a young independent label created by Richard Hutchinson and Axel Nyhage that is based in Stockholm. The label has a reputation for a refreshing viewpoint on fashion. Drawing... - 5 questions for Kerstin Ekman
Swedish author Kerstin Ekman started writing detective novels, then moved on to more psychological and social themes. In September 2009 she released her latest novel Mordets praktik. Sweden.se asked... - The Swedish Model in practice
The term “Swedish Model” is used to describe the fact that the Swedish society is based on a high degree of public financing. Let’s find out what this means in practice by following a regular...
Essentials
Jobs - in Sweden, in English
Get your career on track with our job listings from Sweden's top employers.
Property - renting or buying in Sweden
Navigating the minefield of renting or buying an apartment or house in Sweden.
Weather
"There is no bad weather, just bad clothes," say the Swedes. Here's the forecast for everyone else.
Introducing...
Every week The Local serves up a spicy helping of Swedish celebrity for your delectation.
Stockholm Syndrome
Tales of crazy Swedish classes, hamfisted attempts to understand - and explain - real Swedes, and varied experiences of fellow foreigners gathered for your amusement.
Register
Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss
Jobs in Sweden, in English
124 jobs in Sweden, in English
53 new jobs this week
20 new jobs today
- Real Estate Professional
- Sales Engineer as Regional Manager for Region South Sweden
- Software Engineer, Landskrona
- FP&A PROFESSIONAL
- SMG - Corporate Sports Sales Executives
- FINANCIAL ANALYST (M/F)
- FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY CONSULTANT
- FINANCE MANAGER / CONTROLLER
- Danish speaking – Credit & Collection
- NORWAY ACCOUNTING LEAD
Noticeboard
- 08/02 Buy/sell used English books: Feb 20
- 08/02 Driving License book(in English) for Sale
- 08/02 Land plot 3000sqm with ruin FOR SALE Bulgaria!
- 08/02 HP Laptop (Win 7) & Computer cum Reading Table
- 08/02 Moving overseas Mar 26--even MORE STUFF for sale
- 07/02 For Sale by Owner: 3000 sqm Land / Ruin Bulgaria Varna
Discuss
- 20:35 Teaching English In Sweden
- 20:14 British TV in Sweden
- 20:05 How shallow and insecure are Swedes?
- 19:55 Getting a dog in Sweden
- 19:30 None is talking about Influenza
- 18:14 Log Cabins in Sweden
- 18:00 Moving out of Stockholm
- 17:59 Sweden and NATO
- 17:35 Mr. Dolph Lundgren
- 16:15 Expert Tax Break
Expatriate in Stockholm?
We offer services for foreigners who've recently moved or are planning to move to Stockholm. Corresponding with local authorities, organizing your home, seeking childcare and domestic help, plus more.
MORE INFO
We offer services for foreigners who've recently moved or are planning to move to Stockholm. Corresponding with local authorities, organizing your home, seeking childcare and domestic help, plus more.
MORE INFO
Folk High Schools in Sweden
The Swedish Folk High Schools have courses that give you the possibility to bring out all your colors!
www.folkhogskola.nu
The Swedish Folk High Schools have courses that give you the possibility to bring out all your colors!
www.folkhogskola.nu
Visiting Stockholm?
Then you'll find The Local's new Stockholm Section useful. Find pics, guides, news and lots of useful information about Stockholm.
www.thelocal.se/stockholm
Then you'll find The Local's new Stockholm Section useful. Find pics, guides, news and lots of useful information about Stockholm.
www.thelocal.se/stockholm
The Local's new Marketplace
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
Welcome to Adlon Hotel in Stockholm
A perfect location both for business and pleasure. Centrally located, with atmosphere.
www.adlon.se
A perfect location both for business and pleasure. Centrally located, with atmosphere.
www.adlon.se
Winter archipelago tours
Visit Stockholm's beautiful archipelago. Great boat tours for all preferences.
MORE INFORMATION
Visit Stockholm's beautiful archipelago. Great boat tours for all preferences.
MORE INFORMATION
Doctor of Psychology
Therapy in English
David Schultz PsyD
Individuals & couples
In Stockholm in person or by phone or video conferencing
www.anxiousorblue.se
Therapy in English
David Schultz PsyD
Individuals & couples
In Stockholm in person or by phone or video conferencing
www.anxiousorblue.se
Play football in Stockholm
Kick-off the new football season with LFC, Stockholm's premier English-speaking football club.
MORE INFO
Kick-off the new football season with LFC, Stockholm's premier English-speaking football club.
MORE INFO
JOB: Trainee Sales Executives
Midfield Media, a leading provider of events and executive forums, is seeking Trainee Sales Executives
FULL JOB DETAILS
Midfield Media, a leading provider of events and executive forums, is seeking Trainee Sales Executives
FULL JOB DETAILS
Enjoy a beautiful winter weekend in Västervik
Treat yourself with a calm and relaxing weekend in beautiful archipelago surroundings
MORE INFORMATION
Treat yourself with a calm and relaxing weekend in beautiful archipelago surroundings
MORE INFORMATION
JOB: Copy editor and English speaking project manager/editor
Tidningskompaniet, one of Sweden's leading agencies for custom publishing, seeks two new employees in Stockholm and Göteborg
FULL JOB DETAILS
Tidningskompaniet, one of Sweden's leading agencies for custom publishing, seeks two new employees in Stockholm and Göteborg
FULL JOB DETAILS
Counseling in English Individuals & Couples - Stockholm
Beth Rogerson PhD - Clinical, Marriage & Family Therapist
Click or call 08-5580 1266 now
Beth Rogerson PhD - Clinical, Marriage & Family Therapist
Click or call 08-5580 1266 now
Your comments about this article:
The comments below have not been moderated in advance and are not produced by The Local unless clearly stated. Readers are responsible for the content of their own comments. Comments that breach our terms and conditions will be removed.
All potiticians "know" that solving any problem will cost three times more than having the problem in the first place. Otherwise "the solution will never work".
I'm sure that the hats will do a good job of cluttering up various desk draws and cupboards, that is before someone nicks them next summer to keep the sun off.
@Cab sounds like we don't need your type anyway, bye.
I say let everybody have 30 cars to rotate through the month, more magic power to swedes.
Did not realise that wasting money takes some "creativity".
They would get everyone to sit around with different hats on to signify different thoughts.
It started in New York to the best of my knowledge a few decades ago.
I wonder what other Kommuns will come up with to rival this one?
It's not the idea which is at question here, it is the absurd cost. Theyc ould have asked the local sixth graders to make them hats at SEK 10 each and they would have the same effect to stimulate creativity.
This kind of behaviour is common in countries rapant with corruption. Take public tenders for instance. Many times it's not the lowest offer that wins. What ends up winning is the largest kickback...
I'd explain more but the majority of posters here seem pretty narrowminded so I'll not bother.
What I would say is that they went over the top with customising the hats, I use regular plain colour baseball caps at a fraction of the price and just as effective.
I tend to think the ones throwing labels like "narrow-minded" don't show whole lot of open-mindedness, after all, they are not so open to the opposite views.
and since when worshiping alternatives became a virtue?
being extremely stupid is considered an alternative too?
also, there is a huge difference between wasting your own money and wasting tax payer's money. the key is ownership.
"public" means nobody cares. you don't have to experience some hardcore communism to understands it.