Advancement

There are openings in our office (despite the state and local budget constraints) and the race is on to secure one of the coveted positions of supervisor, manager or high level clerk.

So how do you get one of these coveted positions?
You take a performance test (civil service test or other), oral interview and then possibly a second oral interview.

Gone are the days when positions can be appointed by the head of the departments (guess we have the union to thank for that).

But is there still nepotism? You bet there is. It's just masked differently. It's hidden behind subjective testing and interviews. It's hidden behind special assignments and job duties. It's also hidden behind closed doors. It's no different than the private sector. They will always advance who they want to advance.

Play the game correctly, stay under the radar and you're likely to do well. Don't question authority or challenge the system (even though you know that there is a different and, often times, better way of doing things). Make alliances with the right people. Stay away from the controversy and you will go far.

Sounds easy, huh? Yeah right.

Try keeping your mouth shut when you know that there are things that you can do to make the process work. Try questiong authority. Try challenging the assumed, perceived and real powers that exist. If you speak up, you may make others look bad or inefficient. If you speak up, you may uncover or question someones power and authority (or lack of).

See the dilemma?

Work for the good of the organization....or work for self-interest and political positioning for higher paying jobs or jobs of status? Question to ask yourself as you play the very interesting, very complex game of "frogger"--public sector style.

Just remember that all that glitters isnt gold. Keep that in mind and you will go far.