The Search For Meaning In Government Service

Question: Why doesn't the civil servant look out her window in the morning? Answer: So she'll have something to do in the afternoon.

Doing the public's work, in my opinion, has always been a noble calling even though working in government does not always conjure up positive images among citizens. Ideally, the link between the governed and the governors should be both authentic and transparent, which would allow citizens to remain engaged with and expect only the very best from their public servants. Similarly, the delivery of public goods and services by or through government should always reflect a passion for excellence, a concern for guarding the public's trust, and a focus on advancing the public's welfare. Unfortunately, I think that public trust (and confidence) in government to achieve these aims has effectively collapsed, resulting in both a crisis of competence and a crisis of spirit on a national scale. One can only "hope" that the new regime will be able to "reinvent" government and restore confidence in the way that the public's business, at all levels, is managed.

Let me also suggest that the concept of public service, including government employment, should be viewed with respect rather than disdain. President Obama's "call to service" notwithstanding, public employment should, by definition, provide a path that is both honorable and meaningful. In this regard, let me share with you, in the spirit of full disclosure, that I have written and spoken about this topic in the past, most notably in the Public Administration Review, the premier scholarly journal of public administration, and as chair of a national initiative to promote the concept of public service for the American Society for Public Administration. Hence, my passion for public, i.e., government, service is longstanding and unwavering.

This said, the attractiveness of seeking a job in the public sector--let alone a career path--waxes and wanes. "It's close enough for government work." "Innovation in government is an oxymoron." Statements like these are not only indictments of those in the public's employ, but also reflections of ourselves, for, as Aristotle observed, "Government is more than a legal structure, more than an arrangement of offices; it is a manner of life, a moral spirit." For public servants, Aristotle's wisdom strikes at the heart and soul of who they are and what they have chosen to do. It also reflects the concept and spirit of public service in significant ways, for it suggests that working in government really does mean something--above and beyond the obvious fact of gainful employment.

Not everyone who works in government, of course, is aware of, let alone admits to, such fundamental, existential concerns. Yet, the search for meaning at work, including that derived from government service, has moved to center stage, and the need to reflect on the meaning of our work is perhaps greater today than ever before. People in all walks of life are becoming more comfortable asking the "big" questions, that is, those dealing with their meaning and purpose in life. And I suspect that in light of the current economic crisis, such questions are surfacing more often and more quickly!

The Viennese psychiatrist and philosopher, Viktor Frankl, espoused that "man's search for meaning is the primary motivation of his life." And it is this key principle--Frankl called it our will to meaning--that has prompted me over the years to explore the existential needs and preferences of public servants. Indeed, as someone who has worked in and with government, and as a professor of public policy and management who has helped to prepare many others for public sector employment, the search for meaning in government service is more than a rhetorical or academic question. On the contrary, the search for meaning, I propose, is the very platform upon which the concept and spirit of public service come alive in a real, practical sense. Listen to some comments from a few of America's "unsung heroes" working in government:

I was conversing amiably with some sort of stock broker in a pub several years ago. As he is discussing the advantages of zero coupon bonds and short maturation derivatives, he thought to ask what I did for a living. When I made it clear that I worked for the U.S. government, he swiveled around to the person sitting to his left and continued the conversation.--Employee, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration

Maybe I am following an impossible dream, but my focus is in making a difference in people's lives beyond my lifetime. I believe that public service is the highest expression of democracy in action. I know my place, I know where I belong.--State government employee

We have turned into a society where public service has deteriorated to become synonymous with self-service--what's in it for me? We as a society have lost our focus. I'm here to say that there are many career people like myself who are praying and working toward finding that focus.--State government employee

I am attracted to the ideal of public service. It is fundamental to my own personal values and provides an opportunity for me to live these ideals. My father was a police officer for over 30 years and my mother a health professional in a hospital setting. I come from parents who believed that helping others was the best way to spend your life...service to humanity is the best work of life...need I say more?--Federal government employee

Unfortunately, these are not the kind of comments one hears in the popular media, nor are these the kind of public servants who are showcased before wide audiences and offered the opportunity to share their stories and messages about what they do and how they find meaning in government service. However, if our country really expects to manage the public's business effectively, efficiently, and equitably, then something is going to have to change in the way that government service is perceived and treated. In short, the spirit of America demands public servants who are driven by the search for meaning and who seek a "noble calling" through government service. It is the responsibility of all of us to support them (and each other) in the quest. The future of our Nation depends on it.

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You can find out more about Dr. Alex Pattakos, author of the international bestselling book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, in his HuffPost Bio and at http://www.prisonersofourthoughts.com. See also his "Dr. Meaning" Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/DrMeaning. You can contact Alex at: [e-mail].

Comments

[avraamjack]

"man's search for meaning is the primary motivation of his life." ?

I would guess that a significant percentage of the human race rarely consider the question. If you perceive otherwise , you are blessed in your associations.

.

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Well said (because, of course, I agree with you!). If Viktor Frankl were alive today, I know that he would say that a "significant percentage of the human race" has lost its course for the reason you have cited. It seems that too many of us "rarely consider the question." According to Frankl, we are too focused on either the pursuit of "power" (and its correlate, "money") or "pleasure" (with its attendant negative implications) rather than what, in the final analysis, really matters in life--"mea­ning." A major part of my own life's mission is to raise awareness about these issues. Perhaps the "crises" that we now face will provide a platform for more people in all walks of life and "positions" of influence to use what I call their "meaning compass" as a guide to making a positive difference in their lives and the lives of others. Thank you for your comment!

[avraamjack]

Thank you and you are most welcome.

[avraamjack]

"man's search for meaning is the primary motivation of his life."

[Awakenedcitizen]

Having worked in the public sector, a community college and a county government, and having been married to a career municipal finance director, all I can say is that I worked with some of the sharpest, most hard-working people. My husband put in no less than 50 hours per week, and during budget time and with city council meetings, 60-70 hours per week, and when they did the computer conversion--whew. I myself often worked until 7 PM and on holidays to get projects done that had deadlines.

The difference in working for public sector? No parties with adult beverages. Stringent limits on reimbursement for travel, meals and lodging. When you take a "county car" or "school car" to a meeting or conference, they are bare bones vehicles, no frills. No gifts from the people you serve, one government worker who had helped me with a private sector project even refused for me to buy him a pastrami sandwich because it was against the rules.

I am definately not complaining, just lettin' folks know that work is work.

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank YOU, "Awakenedcitizen," for sharing your experiences and perspective. It sounds like you and your husband were authentically committed to more than "work" per se. I honor and thank you both for your public service. You don't sound like a complainer either!

[Dr. Cara Barker - Huffpost Blogger]

Alex, I want you to know how much I appreciate your article. Ah, let me count the ways! First, there is the fact that your writing is compelling. You give much to chew on, as usual. But, frankly, Alex, it is also the tone that gets me, clear and heartfelt. The focus itself, is very meaningful to me. I have many family members who have nobly engaged in public service careers. My husband and I, before we met, each did our own 'stint' in them, as well. Both of my folks were in the military, as was I in Army nursing during a portion of Viet Nam. From public health, to government public service, I have worked with many heroes and heroines who have humbly gone about their work, with little thanks. But, then, they have been those kind of people who served because they found something so beautifully enriching about the dedication to build a better, more compassionate, peaceful world.

Thank you for the gift of your contribution!
Cara

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

O.K., Dr. Cara, you have me blushing again! :) Seriously, I greatly appreciate your comments just like I value your posts of wisdom. I'm pleased too that you resonated with my message and found the focus to be meaningful. And I want to thank you, your husband, and your unnamed colleagues for your dedicated public service. It looks like there are plenty of "gifts" to go around! Thank you, Alex

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Alex my Mate, My father worked for the Bronx postal service most of his life. He was very happy and felt secure. He instilled in me a feeling of gratitude for public servants.
I feel good when I relate to anyone I meet with a sense of friendliness. I often think that doing the same routine type job year after year can be difficult and at times boring. I usually have a chat with them if possible.
Ultimately it would be good if we can respect everyone. We never know what another person is going through at any given time.

In service,

Ed

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Very well said, Mate! I couldn't agree with you more. In service, Alex

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Alex,

I appreciate your pointing up the importance of finding purpose and meaning in Government service. One of the qualities I most value when dealing with public servants is that they have a friendly disposition and are patient dealing with me, particularly when documents are not clear to me.

There could probably be a useful exercise in having a clear vision of Government service being "user-friendly", including educating the public in changes being made; upgrading the image and public perception of it.

What an important and central theme you have raised here. Thank you!
Anne

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks, Anne! Ultimately, government in a "democratic" society is a reflection of "us," the People, so it makes sense (and probably, "cents" too!), for the design of government institutions and services to be authenically "user-friendly!" To be sure, we haven't yet gotten there yet, at least not in terms of broadly-applied practices. I would argue (and have done so many times) that if we can "design" government so that it attracts the "best and the brightest," as well as those who demonstrate an authentic commitment to public service (i.e., a manifestation of the "will to meaning'), we'll be moving in the "right" direction. I don't want government "jobs" to be viewed as "less than" and as a "last resort" for people. That's how we get the "it's close enough for government work" mentality!

[Russell Bishop - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Alex: another thoughtful, meanigful and timely post. I love the reminder of the true spirit of serving you bring to us.

For a bit of humor here's something I came across two weeks ago as a dear friend (Canadian by birth) was preparing for her US citizenship exam. Taken from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services booklet entitled: "Learn About the United States: Quick Civic Lessons" - a booklet containg 100 questions and answers that form the basis for the interview required of all prospective US citizens. Great questions and answers can be found about the constitution, Bill of Rights, and other meaningful areas.

And then there is question #91: "Name one benefit of being a citizen of the United States." The first answer provided: "To obtain Federal government jobs."

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks, Russell, for your kind comment and for sharing "a bit of humor." I wonder how many prospective US citizens taking the exam actually choose this answer!

[DiogenesOfAlaska]

Maybe the answer to that question is related to your quotation marks in

'One can only "hope" that the new regime will be able to "reinvent" government and restore confidence in the way that the public's business, at all levels, is managed.'

Thanks for the post.

I'm not at all teasing. I have no doubt whatsoever that we do live in an age where 'the public' is redefined and rediscovered. I consider this to be a fact.

[frantaylor]

Government versus private sector is nothing more than who signs your paycheck. Jobs are the same no matter where they are done. When a researcher's grant money shifts from public sources to private ones, does that change the inherent nature of his work? Is teaching at a private school any less noble than teaching at a public one?

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

First, let me say that I do appreciate your comment and want to thank you for posting it. This said, I feel that you have missed the key point in my post! The fact that you believe that the only difference between the public and private sectors is "who signs your paycheck" is a bit naive and off the mark. Moreover, it doesn't sound like you are a career civil servant or have worked in the public sector for any length of time. And I'm not talking about receiving "grant money." I feel strongly that everyone should be able to discover meaning in their work, be they in the private, public, or nonprofit sectors, and I have dedicated my life to helping people with their search. I also believe that "public service" is a noble calling. Indeed, I have written about something called a "public service ethic" that transcends "sector" per se. Someone in the private sector, for example, may have such an ethic, whereas someone in the public sector may not. Unfortunately, I don't feel that people who manifest their public service ethic working in government receive the acknowledgment and respect that they deserve. If and when government service does become a "noble calling" (which is not to say that one cannot do "public service" in the private sector too), the goal of "good government" will have a higher likelihood of becoming a reality.