The “Why” of Public Service

This outline, now almost eight years past, worked very well in its original two-hour format. It was designed as a “Q” and “A” workshop for graduate students of public policy and administration, the future leaders of our government. It got them to collectively and individually think about “Why” they were pursuing or already building careers in the public service. It was meant to foster some real soul searching. For the MMASC conference, It was the wrong subject and the wrong delivery method for a 20 minute presentation. The speakers before and after me were doing their own styled versions of TED TALKs, bells, and whistles included. I’ve certainly done those as well. Put me in front of room full of realtors or economic developers and I’ll always get their attention. Hell, I’ve even been hired to do roasts.

As it turns out this subject was too heavy and packed with way too much information. I could tell as I watched random pairs of eyeballs roll back into heads. (Audiences tend to forget that they can be seen as well). It’s effectiveness in its normal workshop setting was lost, especially without a time for questions and answers. That was my fault. It should have been scheduled as a workshop for those that were actually interested. In deference to the audience, they weren’t there to contemplate their navels. They were there to hear about the latest and greatest methods and techniques. Regardless, I’ve always been of the belief that public servants need to understand the “Why” behind the “What” and “How” of their daily professionally routines. If they are there for the right reasons, good things usually happen. Every academic and training program geared to facilitate the education of those interested in the public service should consider this type of workshop. When you have the time, take a look. It may help you answer some of your own questions.

https://practionerscholar.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/mmasc-2015-presentation-22.pdf

Click “The Why of Public Service” below to read my PA Times article.

The Why of Public Service