PRIMER FOR PROBATIONERS

Dr. Bhagwan SahaiAdditional Chief Secretary

SOCIETAL CONTEXT• Exploding expectations of public from government• ATM personality and ‘push button’ culture, purely

transactional relations with shortcuts; ‘info-packs’ – knowledge & wisdom?

• Declining morality, human relationships and obsession with self

• Impatience for results• Negativism, superficial and noisy, grieving society• Enablers – technological applications & devices,

strengths of governmental system

Way Forward – Transformational Engagement

• Process – De-learning, Learning, Practising; constant learner

• TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More • Develop yourselves into public service

oriented team members & leaders – sincere, sensitive, wise

• Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation

Common Probationary Training Program

• Aim is to prepare –a) Well-grounded team leaders and managers for

governmental system for synergy in resultsb) Fit & healthy, knowledgeable & well-informed,

skilled individuals with common outlook and approach to issues

• To inculcate common values & positive mindsets

a) Public servants – 1. The concept2. Entry by own choice3. Servants not of any private individual but of general

public, greatest opportunity in life4. Constant dealing with issues of common interest along

with specific issues of individual nature

b) Who is an officer? – someone who exercises authority.c) Both “Leader” and “Manager” – inspire confidence and

be champions of change;

PUBLIC SERVICE

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT1. An officer is a team leader—privileged positions

but loads of responsibility2. Performance must be by team leader as well as

every member – for synergy3. The leader must offer guidance to, supervise and

control team members4. To be judged by results & not by mere presence5. Features of governmental system – highly

regulated, hierarchically organized, top driven, compliance demanding, plethora of laws to be followed, answerability to multiple authorities

ACHIEVING EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS

Ordinary sounding measures which will enable production of profound results –

• Disciplined life – regular exercise, healthy food, frugal habits, positive outlook and good hygiene – personal & environmental

• Impeccable personal conduct – basic honesty at all times; integrity, probity, open mindedness

• Constant vigil against greed, temptations, prejudices and stereotypes

• Sensitiveness to others’ concerns, gender and environment

• Be conscious of PSR (Personal Social Responsibility) – as a habit, give more than what you are paid for

• Accessibility – to colleagues & public • Good communication skills – written and

spoken• Innovative without being disruptive• Habit of reading inspiring literature and

recording/documenting happenings

• Effective participation in happenings & proceedings

• Eagerness to learn from experience and improve

• Punctuality and hard work – derive pleasure from doing work & doing good for others

• Respect for law and authority• Don’t be parasitic to the system, lazy, lousy,

self-centered or take shortcuts• Admitting mistakes, apologizing and improving Expectation is not of ‘miracle workers!’

SUMMING UP

• PPPN • Mantras for daily observance – disciplined life, sincerity,

humility, • Constant companions – politeness, courtesy, high

strength of moral fiber, moderation and modesty • The message of life – PURUSHARTH – mindset of

service, feel happy and blessed to get the opportunity in life to do things for others

• Wherever you live and work, leave footprints for posterity

• JFK’s message