I’m not sure about the most recent source of this observation, but it seems important to reiterate it right now: Much of what’s good about our society rests on the dedication and expertise of public servants.
Government employees are similar in many ways to skilled workers in any enterprise. Their work often requires long hours under difficult circumstances. They weave their modest efforts into the larger tapestries of successful and efficient enterprises. They sometimes deal with ungrateful or ill-mannered constituents or customers. Many of them are not paid wages commensurate with the requirements of their jobs. They labor under the constraints of rules they didn’t make, laws they didn’t pass and contexts they didn’t invent. Without them, a business or governmental office starts to unravel.
I know about the too-easy negative characterizations of government workers, but have to be honest: I haven’t experienced what those pejorative prejudices claim to be true. On the phone or in-person, the majority of my recurring encounters with government workers has been positive: People going out of their way to explain what I don’t understand; listening carefully to my situation before offering suggestions or directions; treating me respectfully as I try to navigate the intricacies of procedures, guidelines or laws. Correcting any misinformation with grace. Smiling.
Under those behaviors I often recognize a fierce sense of vocation, a determination to make society better. I’ve been heartened when I sense that a government worker understands her or his role in bringing about the greater good. Conversely, how these same individuals can feel hurt or accused by folks who don’t’ understand that “We, the people” can make for a very diverse and very hard-to-please constituency.
Let me encourage you to express your gratitude for the people who work in governmental settings. They’re truly public servants!
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