Here is a preview of my up and coming book on the Public Service.
The hard copy should be available in the summer/fall of 2010
For more info on the book or Keynote Presentations,
please contact me at
INFO@RONCAMACHO.COM
Passion, Pride and Pleasure
Motivation for Success in the Public Service
Introduction.
Congratulations! The very fact that you have picked-up and opened this book is an indication that you have at least half of what it takes to make a healthy and successful career in the Public Service. An open mind, an inquisitive mind, and a willingness to use all the tools at your disposal to give yourself the edge in an ever changing world.
The other half of what it takes for a successful career in the Public Service you’ll find in this book. It is a compilation of 15 years of observations and conversations with highly motivated individuals who, regardless of the ups and downs, have managed to stay motivated in achieving successful careers in the Public Service. It is advice, wisdom and Golden Nuggets shared by successful and down-to-earth individuals, who have navigated through the mind-maze and pitfalls of Public Sector do’s and don’ts and stifling government bureaucracy.
As a Motivational Speaker specializing in Motivation, Wellness and Productivity in the workplace with Public Service, I have come to understand that there are a few key factors that make the difference between a healthy, enjoyable and successful career and a career beset with difficulties, setbacks and disappointments. This book is my attempt to share that information with individuals who are looking for a meaningful and successful career with the Public Service.
The book is written in two sections. The first section is focused on tools and techniques that relate to attitude and perspective. Although it is the most ‘soft skills’ oriented part of the book, I believe that it is the most important. Attitude and perspective are the foundations on which we build our reality and our every day lives. All the tools and techniques in this book are based on this premise. A level attitude and broad perspective also happen to be the outstanding attributes of well balanced and highly successful individuals in the Public Service.
Section two is a resume of 15 years of observation, interaction and constructive discussion with individuals at the top end of the success spectrum from all levels within the Public Service. This collage of practical and useful wisdom was validated for me by a series of interviews that I held with positive, generous and highly productive and successful Public Servants. Passionate individuals who influenced their co-workers in a positive and meaningful way. Here you will find in a nutshell, the information that takes years of experience to accumulate. Information that could shorten the learning curve that lies ahead of you. This collection of wisdom could make the difference between a meaningful successful career and a routine job.
Regardless of what success may mean to you, understand that whether you want to be an entry level clerk, a manager or top level executive, you ultimately will have to pay the price for your success. There is in fact, a price to pay for everything in life. Be it financial, health, social or family price, you will have to pay a price for your success. The question is, what price are you willing to pay?
This book will help you achieve your goals while allowing you to minimize the price to pay for your success. It will help you stay healthy, sane and motivated. Times are tough and the workplace is becoming more demanding and invasive of our personal time. I believe this book is right for these challenging times. I’m glad you pick it up, and I hope it serves you well. Enjoy the read.
The black box
Let’s start at the beginning… In the early 50s, David Warren an aircraft fuel researcher and chemist working for the Australian Government created the first ever flight data recorder. Better known as the Black Box, the device was built to record flight information and to help in identifying possible causes for air incidents. Unfortunately, David could not sell his concept to any of the commercial airlines or air safety agencies. In fact David could not sell his concept to anyone. Regardless of the lack of interest, he continued to refine and perfect his device.
A few years later, while working on his pet project on his lunch hour, David was introduced to Robert Hardingham, the Chief of Air registration with the British Government who just happened to be visiting David’s employer. Robert was captivated by David’s passion for his concept and invited him to come to Britain to present at a Government Panel on Air safety. Well, as they say… The rest is history.
Today every commercial airplane in the world uses a Black Box. The impact on safety and the lives saved over the years has made David Warren an unknown hero who deserves the gratitude of all air travellers.
It is important to mention three very important aspects relating to this story. The first is that David Warren received little or no financial compensation for his work and commitment. The second is that he remains virtually an unknown. The third is that David was a dedicated civil servant.
Individuals who work for the Public Sector know how David must feel. They are committed to serving the public and maintaining the safety and quality of life of their Citizens here and abroad and receive very little gratitude or thanks for it. The pay is adequate, and the working conditions vary from acceptable to excellent, depending on who and where you work. However, the recognition for work well done is for the most part absent in the public sector.
Interestingly enough, the lack of recognition in the workplace is considered to be one of the greatest de-motivators by workers in both the private and public sectors. So then, how do people stay motivated to continue doing good work? What drives someone to excellence when the financial rewards are limited, initiatives and creativity often stifled, and recognition next to non-existent? That is the question every PS employee is asking, and one they need an answer to.
As this book goes to press, I am starting my sixteenth year of as a Professional Motivational Speaker. I am proud and passionate about the work I do. It is rewarding both financially and emotionally. I am proud to say that when presenting keynote addresses or facilitating motivational workshops, I often get a standing ovation. Receiving a standing ovation for one’s work has to be one of the most gratifying experience is the world. Not only is it a great feeling, it is also a greater motivator!
Having said that, I should tell you that I’ve yet to meet anyone who works a 9 to 5 job for the public service who walk out of the office at the end of the day and receives a standing ovation. No riches, no glory, no thank you. Any rational human being would then ask… ”what’s the motivator?” Why do I bother? Good question!
How do successful Public Servants get motivated and stay motivated? The answer lies with our unsung hero and Aussie Civil Servant, David Warren. He and thousands of successful public sector employees share three things in common. Passion, Pride and Pleasure.
Passion, Pride and Pleasure is a motivational guide to success in the Public Service.
It will be available this Summer/ Fall (2010)