When you work for a government, in whatever type of job, you are effectively working for the people of the country, who usually pay your wages via taxation. As a result, it’s important for government employees to be responsive to the needs and appropriate assistance where delivery of public services is concerned that takes effect in the performance at all times.

Being aware of the people’s need, the following may help to work out how you could show an employer that you possess these skills yourself to become response enough to the people where we vow to serve;

Negotiation skills. There is a good chance that you will either work with the general public, but – even if you don’t – government agencies are large organizations with a lot of employees, and so the ability to get on with people from all walks of life is usually important.

Courtesy. Being polite to people costs nothing, and can help to earn you the respect of your colleagues, as well as the people you serve.

Patience. This is a skill that everyone needs, but is especially important in large organizations, where things can take a very long time indeed!

Tolerance.  Charity which you may have meant by “justness” – is vital.  You may work with, or serve people who have different beliefs or customs to you, and it is vital to respect their beliefs and practices, even if you don’t share them.

Empathy. Being able to understand other people’s feelings is a great skill, and makes you more able to be tolerant of their behavior, and to help them more effectively. It also makes you a more popular member of a team, and helps to smooth relationships with the public.

Listening skills. These are crucial, as it is only by listening, that we can understand, and then take effective action. Active listening (including making eye contact) is particularly important, as research shows that people who feel that others aren’t listening to them can get angry and frustrated very quickly.

Open-mindedness. In large organizations, your colleagues will have different habits and ways of working from your own – as well as different opinions, which is also true of members of the public. You don’t always have to agree with people, but showing them respect by taking their opinions seriously, can only help to make you valued by your employer, colleagues and the general public.

Reference: E. Osakwe. Navigating The Nation Through Today’s Shame to Tomorrow Fame: Focused on Public Responses . Delta State University, Abraka on Thursday, February 26, 2009.

By: Edwin Riel Bermillo |Education Program Specialist-II | SDO-Bataan