4 specific challenges when shifting roles in the public service

This article is written by William V. Iwandza, Founder and Principal at Tangible Altitude.

The problem: Common challenges when shifting roles in the public sector.

Why it matters: Shifting roles occurs in the public sector, it is important to educate people about the common challenges that arise when making a change.

The solution: Applicable tips for a successful professional transition.

Shifting roles is a process that most people go through at some point in their lives. It can be a difficult experience, but it can also be extremely rewarding. The key to making a successful role change is being prepared for the particular challenges that arise.

Public sector employees can be motivated by their connection to public principles such as justice, equity, and social responsibility.

If you've ever had to shift roles at work, you already know how difficult it can be to stay on top of your game and do a good job in your new role. While you may be naturally good at making these kinds of transitions, there are some specific challenges that only come up when you shift roles, whether it's because of your position, the people around you, or the job itself.

In the public sector, as in other sectors, when you move from one role to another, the process is not always smooth and simple. You have to get used to new expectations, learn new tasks and responsibilities, understand your new relationships with peers and colleagues, and much more.

In this article, we'll look at four common challenges you may face when shifting roles, as well as some strategies for overcoming these challenges and shining in your new role.

Challenge 1: Lack of motivation

Most of the time, public sector workers face a lack of motivation, especially when they are placed in a position that does not interest them. Employees receive a fixed salary and other benefits. There are no rewards or penalties for good or bad efforts.

Solution:

Public sector employees can be motivated by their connection to public principles such as justice, equity, and social responsibility.

Challenge 2: Lack of efficiency

The public sector generally does not adopt competitive methods, which slows down the processing and execution process. Public sector employees generally do not work competitively, making them inefficient and unproductive.

Solution:

Stop multitasking and start focusing. Lack of productivity is one of the biggest factors affecting job performance. You won't get very far in your profession if you don't learn to manage your time and get organised.

Challenge 3: Late decisions

One of the biggest problems with role changes is delayed decision-making. There is a lack of motivation; no one wants to be in charge of making decisions. Public loss is the result of losses in public institutions. It is a public loss, not a personal one.

Solution:

Set personal benchmarks and goals: Big goals are easy to set, but they can often seem overwhelming and unattainable. Set one to five big goals for each new year. Then set weekly and monthly goals that will get you there. The personal benchmarks you set along the way to your larger vision will serve as motivation to achieve the smaller goals.

Challenge 4: Insufficient innovations

Innovations are crucial to the growth of the economy but due to the absence of competition and the security that brings, public sector companies often fail to innovate. A lack of innovation can also be evident in a new role within the public sector.

Solution:

• Implement a limited set of innovation challenges.
• Bring in outside innovators to inspire new ideas: encourage internal cooperation among colleagues by sharing ideas.
• Make sure you set aside time to focus on creative projects: each team should contain a variety of skills.
• Make circumstances and challenges available to a community of participants: exchange focused information and views on these issues.

As you try to embrace these solutions every day, shifting roles becomes easier and can even become much more exciting.

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