My car was in for a “recall” repair the other day, something most of us have experienced. No one told me the name of the engineer who had misdesigned the part, or the worker who forgot to tighten the bolts. But public servants are more visible when something goes wrong – today’s media has the names of those involved in a recent military “cover-up;” we know who headed ORNGE in its recent debacle; and Teddy Weatherill has been immortalized by an award to celebrate his excesses in particular and government waste in general.
But when it comes time to take credit for a job well done, public servants tend to be faceless. Politicians are delighted to take credit, seek photo ops, kiss babies, etc. But public servants take to the background.
For two decades, Canadian Government Executive magazine has been profiling good public service, and good public servants, to their fellow public servants across Canada. Maybe it’s time to go public, celebrate good public service, and recognize individuals and teams that make a difference.
Do you want to remain anonymous, or would you like more recognition?
