What they think of us......

I am compelled to write about our public perception and describe in detail my viewpoints on being on the "other side".

We are not all lazy and bitter. We all do not have a bad attitude and waste "tax payers dollars". Not all of us.

A lot of us are hard workers, have good work ethics and a lot of us are educated and articulate. Not everyone you come across at DMV, the courthouse, or the post office is an idiot.

We try hard to do our job and do it well. BUT...there are obstacles that get in our way. These obstacles bring about a negative public image.

Lets talk about a few of these, shall we?

1. Budget. Without funding, we cannot efficiently staff our offices. EFFECTIVELY, yes. Efficiently, no. The difference? Effective is a "band aid". Webster's Dictionary defines effective as: producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect. That desired effect may be staying open until 3pm instead of 5pm in order for staff to catch up on work because of attrition or the closing of a department or laying off of employees. Remember, that is our desired effect based on what we have. The public forgets the success of government, state and city agencies are dependent of the budget. Currently, my office is running at a 25% staff reduction due to mandatory furloughs on Fridays because of the budget.

2. Reputation of a government/state/city employee. If the citizens continue to perpetuate the stereotypes of these workers, the stereotype will always remain a big part of the culture...and accepted as the norm. Don't let one bad worker's attitude or work ethic ruin it for the bunch. Again, we are not all lazy idiots. Work toward changing the sterotype not just criticizing it.

3. Bureaucracy and Red Tape. Everything must get approved before it can be implemented. There are so many complex and rigid procedures that impede effective action that it makes my head spin. Everyone must be copied in and then we must have a meeting to discuss. Then there are the follow up meetings. And more follow up meetings. Finally a decision is made. Finally. That is the world we live in. Yeah, there needs to be more autonomy, trust and empowerment in the workplace to make this happen. It will take a lot-----and I mean a LOT--of change in protocol and management style to make this happen.

4. You are not our customers. Yes, it is different for you in the private industry. You have customers and you have to keep them to survive. But, remember, we do not sell or produce a product. In essence, we do not have customers. We do not make any money. We do not have a bottom line. We cater to the citizens of the community. They seek us for assistance and information and services. It's not that we do not have to be nice to you or provide substandard service. I am merely stating that we are employed by the city/state/government. You, essentially, are our boss. You, alone, can make the change on the way things are handled by voicing your opinion, filing a complaint, writing your mayor, congressman or governor. Yes, that may be extreme, but again change can only happen if action occurs.

...and for the record, this blog was created during my lunch hour.