I am sure there are plenty of articles on how to be successful in the Federal Government, but I believe that relationship management, taking ownership and how you dress are key components to being successful.
Throughout our careers we will work with, for, and supervise numerous people. Effectively managing those relationships are critical to success in the Federal Government. Whether you are setting the agenda or playing a support role, developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with others in the workplace will lend to your credibility and character. Communication plays a key role in relationship management as well. Talk with your coworkers, supervisors and subordinates. What are their goals? What can you learn from each other? Maintaining that communication after you depart the organization is equally important, whether it is through a simple e-mail during the holidays or meeting up for lunch. While communication is imperative to maintaining a healthy relationship, the crucial component is honesty and trustworthiness. You should always do the right thing and be dependable. When you walk into a room, you should be able to hold your head up high, because no one can point at you and say that you could not be trusted or that you were not dependable.
As we begin our career, some may find it difficult to exercise leadership and management skills in the workplace. Whether you are an intern or just new to Federal Government, you may feel that you are not able to display your potential for greater responsibilities to your supervisor and senior managers. While you may not be running your department anytime soon, I believe that you can display your potential by taking ownership of smaller projects within your organization. Look for projects you can run such as a holiday party or summer social. These events have the same basic components of any other project: coordination, planning, scope definition, budget and time management. Take ownership of these projects and give them your very best. Not only will you receive recognition, your supervisors and senior managers will know what you are capable of and consider you for roles of greater responsibility.
While the old saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” rings true, it is unfortunately not the case as we initially judge others by their appearance. How you dress can definitely send the wrong signals as a sloppy appearance may lead colleagues to believe that you do not care, or pay attention to detail. It may be that your peers or supervisors might not take you seriously. A mentor once shared a story from early in her career on dressing. She was in her twenties and dressed stylishly, but as a mid-level manager, her colleagues and subordinates did not take her seriously as she was sending off all the wrong signals. Fortunately, her mentor soon pulled her in and shared with her the importance of dressing for success. As you progress throughout your career, it is important to dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
There is no one road to success as we all take different paths to reach our goals. I wish you the best of luck in your career and may you become a future leader in Federal Government.
Shaun Khalfan, Strategic Planning Committee
Young Government Leaders
2007-2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A Governmentesque Reality
"Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country." These words were said by the late President John F. Kennedy to provoke people to become federal employees. Max Stier, president of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service,believes it is the opposite for today’s generations. Max states in “C’mon and Be a Bureaucrat” article featured in Newsweek,”It’s not about what you can do for government. We need to convey what government can do for you.” The article was based on the usual stereotypes of government work and how it’s hard to recruit for the 50% of its workforce retiring by 2012.
The main interviewee that concerned me was an ex-government employee, who worked for my agency, GSA, whom I remember. I think this is an example of people not taking advantage of what the government is doing for “you.” He referred to his experience and his understanding of his job as a “Kafkaesque nightmare”. (Side note to let me save you time: Kafkaesque, Adjective: 1. Of or relating to Franz Kafka or his writings. 2. Marked by surreal distortion and often a sense of impending danger The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.) He was in the career development program. The program is geared toward recruiting Generation Y’s at an entry level position. It provides an opportunity to rotate throughout all of GSA’s departments. The program also offers a promotion in grade scale every year completed of the program. It offers the opportunity to network, understand the agency’s process, and an overview of its clients and inventory. After finishing the program at a GS-12, you head back to your “home base” in GSA and permanent position with a wealth of knowledge. I’m going to have to comment on my experience. My job, anyone’s job, is to find out how you can better yourself, your position, and your agency’s/business’s mission. This is something that a government job offers; dynamics to take your career on a path you choose. Also in building your career, you have work/life balance with a competitive benefit and retirement plan, flexible work schedule, and 40 hour work weeks(usually). The pay scale salary is something not to forget to mention. No, we are not making millions in bonuses and stock options, but we know we are making a difference in this nation. I’m not sure the ex-government employee applied himself enough to reap all the benefits of his job and what the surrounding city was offering.
The Federal Government is portraying these positive truths to recruit and retain employees. It is trying to convey what the government can do for you. I think we are living examples. It’s something like a “governmentesque” reality.
I do wish the ex-government employee all the best in his aspiring actor career. I never said I don’t believe in following your dreams.
Mary Morrison, Social Networking Chair
Young Government Leaders
2007-2008
The main interviewee that concerned me was an ex-government employee, who worked for my agency, GSA, whom I remember. I think this is an example of people not taking advantage of what the government is doing for “you.” He referred to his experience and his understanding of his job as a “Kafkaesque nightmare”. (Side note to let me save you time: Kafkaesque, Adjective: 1. Of or relating to Franz Kafka or his writings. 2. Marked by surreal distortion and often a sense of impending danger The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.) He was in the career development program. The program is geared toward recruiting Generation Y’s at an entry level position. It provides an opportunity to rotate throughout all of GSA’s departments. The program also offers a promotion in grade scale every year completed of the program. It offers the opportunity to network, understand the agency’s process, and an overview of its clients and inventory. After finishing the program at a GS-12, you head back to your “home base” in GSA and permanent position with a wealth of knowledge. I’m going to have to comment on my experience. My job, anyone’s job, is to find out how you can better yourself, your position, and your agency’s/business’s mission. This is something that a government job offers; dynamics to take your career on a path you choose. Also in building your career, you have work/life balance with a competitive benefit and retirement plan, flexible work schedule, and 40 hour work weeks(usually). The pay scale salary is something not to forget to mention. No, we are not making millions in bonuses and stock options, but we know we are making a difference in this nation. I’m not sure the ex-government employee applied himself enough to reap all the benefits of his job and what the surrounding city was offering.
The Federal Government is portraying these positive truths to recruit and retain employees. It is trying to convey what the government can do for you. I think we are living examples. It’s something like a “governmentesque” reality.
I do wish the ex-government employee all the best in his aspiring actor career. I never said I don’t believe in following your dreams.
Mary Morrison, Social Networking Chair
Young Government Leaders
2007-2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Taking Control of your Federal Career
Have you ever wondered if working for the Federal government is the best fit for you professionally? If you are currently pondering your “Federal” existence, I recommend you take some time to really pinpoint what you don’t like or enjoy about your current job situation. Often, many people unilaterally dismiss working for the Federal government, when the issue is actually that their agency, job series, or team is not the best fit. As young government professionals, it is important to think about the root of your professional unhappiness before taking a leap to your next job. Otherwise, you will find yourself continually in the wrong position. Once you have figured the real reasons you are unhappy in your job and what you would like to have in your next job, you can begin to take control of the situation.
Here are some questions to ponder when trying to figure out what you need to change or want in your future position:
1) Do you love the mission of your particular agency? If not, there are plenty of other federal agencies that might have a mission more in line with your own interests, cares and concerns. Do some research and find a good fit for you.
2) Do you enjoy how you spend you days at work? Do you like the activities your job requires of you? Do you feel tied down by your job series or interested in exploring another job series? If so, don’t be afraid to ask your agency for developmental rotations outside of your typical line of work. Keep in mind, this might result in putting in some extra hours and doing additional work, but it will be worth finding your job bliss in the long run. If you are curious about other job series, be sure to network with recognized people in your field of interest; you never know who you will meet or the opportunities that will arise as a result of a mere conversation.
3) Are you enjoying your job but just don’t like your team? If so, don’t be afraid to tell your boss you need a change and would like to work on a different team. You will never have new opportunities if you don’t ask for them and I’m sure your boss has been in your situation at some point in his/her career.
When considering whether to take the leap to another agency or whether you should stay in government, remember that many of the most successful Government leaders have taken a unique approach to their Government career and stepped outside the typical tenured employee. My advice to each of you is to follow in these leaders’ footsteps and take control of your career. Explore different agencies and jobs throughout your time in the Federal Government. Enjoy ever minute that you have the opportunity to serve your country. And, don’t assume that just because your current job isn’t working for you that your perfect job doesn’t exist in the Federal Government.
Cara Spiro, Professional Development Co-Chair
Here are some questions to ponder when trying to figure out what you need to change or want in your future position:
1) Do you love the mission of your particular agency? If not, there are plenty of other federal agencies that might have a mission more in line with your own interests, cares and concerns. Do some research and find a good fit for you.
2) Do you enjoy how you spend you days at work? Do you like the activities your job requires of you? Do you feel tied down by your job series or interested in exploring another job series? If so, don’t be afraid to ask your agency for developmental rotations outside of your typical line of work. Keep in mind, this might result in putting in some extra hours and doing additional work, but it will be worth finding your job bliss in the long run. If you are curious about other job series, be sure to network with recognized people in your field of interest; you never know who you will meet or the opportunities that will arise as a result of a mere conversation.
3) Are you enjoying your job but just don’t like your team? If so, don’t be afraid to tell your boss you need a change and would like to work on a different team. You will never have new opportunities if you don’t ask for them and I’m sure your boss has been in your situation at some point in his/her career.
When considering whether to take the leap to another agency or whether you should stay in government, remember that many of the most successful Government leaders have taken a unique approach to their Government career and stepped outside the typical tenured employee. My advice to each of you is to follow in these leaders’ footsteps and take control of your career. Explore different agencies and jobs throughout your time in the Federal Government. Enjoy ever minute that you have the opportunity to serve your country. And, don’t assume that just because your current job isn’t working for you that your perfect job doesn’t exist in the Federal Government.
Cara Spiro, Professional Development Co-Chair
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)