I love new co-op students. They come in with fresh ideas, inquisitive minds and interesting perspectives on the public service. 
After only two weeks on the job, our most recent student remarked that he is starting to understand the “pace you folks need to work at” in order to get things done.
Clearly diplomacy is already something he has learned. After some prodding it became clear he has already met one of the government’s more familiar entities, the roadblock!
That’s life in the government, get used to it. Sadly that is ‘advice’ given to freely and without thought of the possible effects that will have, especially on those just starting out or considering a career in the public service.
Don’t sell them folks. I have a little more faith in what we can do for it is not the ‘government’ that puts these roadblocks in place, it is us, the public servants.
And so, over coffee, my simple comments to him – if there’s a road being blocked, find a way:
- Can you move it on your own? Take a bit of time and energy and do it.
- Will it take more than you have? Find someone to help you – maybe work is already underway that will make it easier.
- A little more substantial? Get a group willing and make it happen.
- And the kicker – no matter how many people have try, is it going to require more? Find the person(s) responsible for putting, or keeping it there and work it out. Perhaps it is no longer needed or does not need to be as obstructive? Can the size be downgraded from a roadblock to a speedbump?
A simple breakdown but does it really need to be more complex? I was happy our discussion then led to the importance and value of collaboration, community and tools that can always help.
But, at the heart of it is the recognition that each of us can and should do what we can to make the road ahead smooth and better for those yet to come.
Of course a smart question followed, wouldn’t it be easier to build a new road? Perhaps, but it that always better?
Onward.
M.
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