Take Pride in Your Performance

Something in our vocation gives me great pause. I could blame it on our culture’s divisiveness, or perhaps our fragile nature in a socially toxic environment rampant with misinformation. Maybe we’re just exhausted from weather-driven catastrophes, pandemics, or the seemingly constant violence around us.

As with any concern, we must consider why it exists and what comes next. Acknowledging a cause and effect does not necessarily excuse subsequent behavior. Many behaviors are sparked by things beyond our control, hard to process, and drain our emotional capital. Processing can take time and may involve others, but what we do next and how we handle it makes a lasting impact. This is especially true in public service.

I hope you will receive this in the spirit of observation. If it resonates with you, do me a favor and let it ruminate for a bit. Then decide if it’s worthy of consideration.

Many public servants no longer take pride in what they do. In previous essays I have shared my undoubted belief that public service is vital work, often tied to the very nature of the one who provides it. It’s impactful, life-altering, and often leaves a legacy. No community can succeed without effective public service. I have often shared the stories of public servants’ remarkable nature and selflessness and I author these pride-beaming words to tell our side of the story and shine a light on what we do.

But, today, I have reason for pause. Not a grave concern or a hopeless dilemma, but definitely an alarming trend. As I look around, I sometimes see the projection of fatigue in service. I see some employees cut corners or shy away from duty. I can almost feel some workers’ disdain toward their responsibility and even their colleagues. I’ve seen curt behavior and an unwillingness to serve.

What’s more puzzling is I don’t just see this in folks new to the profession, those less experienced in managing the work’s challenges and frustrations. I see this behavior in seasoned professionals, those on a promising career trajectory, and those reliable in reputation.

Right or wrong, I have made this profession a big part of my identity and I’m proud to have worked with many others who do likewise. It’s a unique comradery. The fruit of our labor is an intrinsic injection that energizes our days. Society’s need for what we offer can’t be accurately valued in modern metrics. However, some of us are beginning to wane.

I see this in most every organization and profession. It was bad and now it’s worse. Our expectations of customer service are a shadow of what they once were. We’ve become so accustomed to such lackluster service that we either don’t realize it’s missing or we just accept a half-baked effort. I suppose the reasons for this trend mirror those that explain why public service is showing dents in its armor.

While many professions and services must consider course correction for lack of effort, none are more imperative to a community than public service. We can speculate on why, but we must not miss the critical response. How we respond to this trend as public servants is tied to daily function, economies, infrastructure, and quality of life. We are professionals who show up on a bad day. We take an individual’s venom and bite and build an immunity that allows us to continue serving. We host no Golden Globe Awards, and rarely even get honorable mentions, but we wear our duty like a diamond-studded, 24-karat gold championship ring.

At least we used to.

Public administration is the last castle amongst an empire of service, and our walls are breached. A lack of effort cannot become the norm. Too many people count on us. I wish I could tell you how we got here, but that would likely negate each individual’s path to this prideless place. Here are some reasons why we must move forward with a renewed sense of responsibility.

If you are a public servant, you are special. You are a hero, a role model, and a trusted girder on the bridge of society. You work with a dedicated group of people who make it their passion to help others. Your effort not only affects you and those you serve. Whether we like it or not, your effort reflects on all of us.

Let your reasons for pursuing a career in public service outweigh those things that hold you back. What has happened before is behind us. We must chart a better future. Many counting on us. The burdens that weigh us down are heavy, but our responsibility to serve is heavier.

Take pride in what you do, and you will help others.

Take pride in what you do and you will inspire others.

Take pride in what you do, because those who came before you and those who work with you now (like me!) believe in you. You can help others carry forward.

We are foundational elements in our communities. May we also be the change we wish to see in humanity. Lead by example and take pride in what you do. Your effort will be appreciated, particularly in a society facing so many concerns. Be the constant bright spot among the people you support. You never know when that one thing you do for someone else will result in meaningful and beneficial change.

Written by: Christian A. Wilson

Editor: David Walters