* This article is written by Ewos Emiko, Project Lead, Halifax, Nova Scotia.*__

  • The problem: The responsibilities of public servants can be challenging, especially when you are new to public service or working in policymaking.
  • Why it matters: As a public servant, the work you do is important and has an impact, so it is important to possess the necessary skills to be competent.
  • The solution: Doing the deep work required to succeed in the things you do and engaging in cross-sector collaboration.

Working as a public servant is one of the most fulfilling jobs because of its contribution to addressing social issues. I like to think of it as a tree with fruits. There would only be fruit if the tree had foundational roots strong enough to survive the harsh seasons and the required factors for the fruit: labour and patience. This article offers insight into the foundations that are necessary for a successful career in public service, from my experience as a public servant. 

The essential traits of a modern public servant

The ability to think critically and creatively is an essential trait to possess as a public servant. We are all trying to solve problems in our jobs. Sometimes, the solution is not obvious. I once had a naive mindset that critical thinking meant just spending an extensive amount of time on a problem to solve an issue. I asked myself, "Is this the best you could do?" every time I got feedback on my work that required additional effort and time. Soon, I realised other steps in the thinking process include asking probing questions, thinking outside the box, considering alternative perspectives and seeking feedback from individuals more knowledgeable to make informed decisions. Critical thinking is not always an individual responsibility; knowing when to seek insights from stakeholders and initiating the process is critical thinking.

💬 Let the author know what you think about by the essential traits and tips for succeeding as a public servant leaving a comment below

As a public servant, you will always be part of a team, collaborating with agencies or reporting to senior leadership, and it's essential to know how to collaborate and interact with people.

Do not let your job title lead you to your downfall, either by limiting yourself to your job and not seeking opportunities for growth or letting your job title inflate your ego.

Thinking creatively and collaborating with others are integral aspects of effective policymaking at every stage, from conception to implementation. Policies are crafted with a clear objective and a specific audience in mind. This requires a deep understanding of the problem, examining it from various perspectives and sharing insights with stakeholders and team members for their valuable feedback. Your role in the policymaking process is crucial, as it directly impacts the quality of the policies you create.

Cross-sector collaboration and its impact on public service delivery

Cross-sector collaboration is indispensable in improving public service delivery. I was recently introduced to a concept called ‘system thinking’, which I have adopted in my work. It relates to the interconnectedness and interdependencies of different components within complex systems, as well as their broader contexts and implications.

As a public servant working in victim services, I have had the opportunity to engage in collaborative initiatives that have significantly impacted our approach to supporting victims and ensuring accountability within the justice system.

Working in silos is not conducive to addressing the multifaceted needs of victims, which are often intertwined with broader societal issues such as race, gender and poverty. These issues have deep historical roots and require a holistic and comprehensive approach. By collaborating with internal and external agencies, including community organisations, law enforcement, healthcare and social services, we are able to leverage a diverse range of expertise, resources and perspectives to better serve victims and promote justice.

This collaborative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of our public service delivery but also fosters greater coordination, innovation and responsiveness to the needs of victims and the broader community.

The best piece of advice I’ve received in my career

As someone in the early stages of her career, I received valuable advice about the importance of engaging in deep work and detaching yourself from your job title.

While everyone pursues a career for different reasons, committing to deep work is especially crucial when you have a close connection with your goals. Engaging in deep work requires sacrifices, dedicating time to master your craft, establishing rituals and sometimes saying no. It may feel like progress is slow, but these small initiatives build momentum over time. Personally, I find joy in documenting my actions to review and track progress. Ultimately, the outcome of your work will be marked by quality and substance.

Detaching yourself from your job title is important because you are not your job title. A job is a learning experience that can change in any season. Do not let your job title lead you to your downfall, either by limiting yourself to your job and not seeking opportunities for growth or letting your job title inflate your ego. Humbleness is a virtue.

Your foundation matters. Doing deep work and seeking insights from team members or experts are important for your success as a public servant.

Done reading? Make sure to share your own thoughts on cross-sector collaboration and its impact on public service delivery by leaving a comment below ⬇️

(Image credit: Unsplash)