This week’s TRIPLE III TIME message is my quarterly guest author article for the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) organization. For a group of consultant-focus reasons I chose to share my thoughts about a combined view of Generational Diversity & Public Responsibility.

Specifically, the article reviews the positions our different generations have taken with regard to assuming quality public responsibility. No, it is not designed to be an in-depth scientific study. Rather the article attempts to equally assess the U.S. citizens stance on priority public responsibility issues during the special generational sectors.

I hope you enjoy the article.

Generational Diversity & Public Responsibility

In recent times so much has been written and discussed about the differences between the specific generational sectors. Baby Boomers…Generation X…Generation Y (Millennials) and now Generation Z.  Standard comparison topics have included: work characteristics, creativity, leadership, communication styles, organizational loyalty and work\life balancing. As you can guess the comparisons seem to report a high level of “changing-with-the-times” and a greater sense of independent thinking. However, if one takes a long look at generational concerns regarding consistent public responsibility for sustaining good government… traditional expectations and standards appear to remain.

An appropriate first example of discussion with regard to comparing generational diversity and related public responsibilities is the world of work. If one reviews the historic role of government in ensuring jobs for all from 1946-2012 (and beyond) …it would appear that consistency has prevailed. When one considers times of war, recession, private sector change challenges and/or global economy impacts, every generation has expected some form of governmental support action. Whether the action was a bail-out of the automobile companies or the restarts required following an international pandemic, the majority of every generation considered it a public responsibility for government to step-up and enact some form of progressive program/process to move the country forward. Understandably the citizenry from every sector voiced a wide variety of government options to improve the identified problems, however majority support was embraced for qualified public responsibility action.

Communication is another very notable generational diversity topic. Without question the way and means of sharing information with regard to public/governmental responsibilities on every communication level has undergone an immense assembly of changes. Every generation has had to make tremendous adjustments to socially and technologically adapt to ever-evolving communication formats. From regular phones to cell phones, regular television to streaming programs, in-person meetings to virtual webcasts… all generations have been charged to effectively make the necessary adaptions!

So have different generations loved and hated the communication changes…YES!  Have those responsible for completing public responsibilities to their best ability regardless of the communication requirements done so…YES!  Today extensive governmental activity communication is at an all time high. Truly advanced communication methodologies have made U.S. citizens the most informed in the world.  But similar to the world-of-work, the public has the right to use communication alternatives with different priorities in mind. Therefore the result is often viewed in generational diversity terms, rather than just simple personality differences. Think about it.

Innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship are other recognized generational diversity areas of significance. If one studies the great discoveries, scientific improvements and/or inventions that have occurred during every separate timeframe, it is impossible to somehow generationally rank the multitudes of achievement. Also, it is difficult to assess how every innovation has provided new and better ways of accomplishment in the public responsibility arena. However, unquestionably both the private and public sectors have experienced some form of public responsibility gains as a result. The examples of creativity over the years are many including health care, transportation, nutrition, manufacturing, education, communication improvements and yes the list goes on. Regardless every generation has and continues to seek new alternatives to make way for a better public good. The only generational diversity comes in the form of prioritization and means of accomplishment. Hence, the intent I believe remains consistent with regard to satisfying public responsibility expectations and demands.

A final but very important Generational Diversity & Public Responsibility topic that deserves analysis is our country’s two-party system. Throughout our history the diversity that exists between Democrats and Republicans has caused a great deal of leadership challenges, fluctuations in public responsibility commitments and variations in what policy areas deserve the greatest level of priority. However, regardless of the political situation that evolves or impacts of a citizen’s generational assignment… party selection does not appear to change their public responsibility perceptions.

Isn’t it substantial that regardless of a citizen’s age or their right or left wing party beliefs, their public responsibility policy followings have remained the same. This occurrence is documented based on our selection of presidents and policymakers over the years. As a result, the public responsibility values retained by Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, Generation Y-millennials and Generation Z individuals have shown that our country remains operating with a historical balance. Understandably this balance to addressing U.S. public responsibility has realized many strained times when “choosing political sides” is a driving force. However, somehow the dedication to providing the best public responsibility services comes to pass.

OK now it is logical to ask: Why is this article on Generational Diversity & Public Responsibility important? I believe in our current times it is critical to recognize and appreciate all of the public responsibility activities/elements that make the United States “governmentally shine”! Historically citizens have always had the opportunity to choose leaders and processes that make the nation progressive. Therefore, when looking at each generation… their differences and uniqueness, it is equally important to take note of a continuance of their positive pursuit of public responsibility. This genuine and authentic care for the betterment of our country is what our Founding Fathers considered most important.

This quarter’s American Society for Public Administration article is truly a reflection of our times. Given the situation: The Devaluation of Governmental Learning, there are plenty of reasons and examples of why we are going “down” in this area.

The article offers a simplistic description of this phenomenon but more importantly some equally simplistic developmental corrections. Of course, these corrections would require U.S. citizen participation and dedication… but the necessary governmental learning that would occur would be PRICELESS.

Read the article here: The Devaluation of Governmental Learning

Throughout the years that I have been writing these TRIPLE III TIME messages, I have reported that I never really am sure where motivation for a specific message may come from.  However, this week my inspiration came about totally unexpectedly.

Since my wife’s recent retirement from the world of education, she has started going through boxes of “stuff” that has been untouched for years.  The goal is to make us more organized.  And as you can see she came across a very special picture that brought back a ton of memories…which made this III message timely.

JHL and I have been friends, co-workers and colleagues for well over forty (40) years.  There are a million stories I/we could share…but for this moment I believe a special TOP 10 of partnership would be best.

Let’s say it like this…Mr. JHL for me:

1. Always offered a reliable, safe and confident listening ear yesterday, today and tomorrow.
2. Provided a real meaning to the “I’ve got your back” statement.
3. Made our service philosophy “For The Cause”… a daily reason to show up for work.
4. Supported the building of an agency image which believed “There Is Always A Better Way” to help people.
5. Served as the ideal “co-star” when showing off our innovations.
6. Helped make personnel management always progressive.
7. Facilitated an agency priority of partnerships…which proved to be the best way to do business.
8. Conquered re-starting his job… to be even better than his first start.
9. Never said “I don’t think we can” or “I don’t think I can help with that” regarding any brand new business or personal project I dreamed up..
10. And lastly, he didn’t know that when he referred to himself as the “2^nd Banana”…that I took that assessment to mean our Agency was better with two LEADERS!

Sometimes we all need to “Remember When” to make sure we appreciate friends, opportunities and future possibilities.

Thanks Chief!

My most recent quarterly American Society of Public Administration (ASPA) guest author article is especially entitled: Public Administration in 2040 (Can You See It?).  And at first glance one might assume that I am taking stab at predicting or proposing what our American Government & Politics systems might look like almost 20 years from now. But you are wrong.

The insights into the future come from student answers to one of my American Government & Politics final exam questions from this past semester. I have bundled them into four primary response areas… but together and separately they offer the unique insights of young adults into our public administration future.

I hope you enjoy the article.

Public Administration in 2040 – Can You See It?

This week’s TRIPLE III TIME message is my quarterly American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) guest columnist article.  As you can guess from the title:  Public Sector Entrepreneurship III…not only is this my third segment on innovation in the public service arena, but also one of my most favorite topics to discuss!

The special inspiration for this third entrepreneurship piece is contained in Robert F. Kennedy’s memorable words:

“Some men see things as they are and say Why?  I dream things that never were and say Why not?”

I hope you enjoy the article as much as I did preparing it.

Public Sector Entrepreneurship III

First I have to report that even after writing articles for the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) for a bunch of years, I am still “reawakened” when they assign everyone’s quarterly submission dates!

So YES… I’m saying it’s my turn already.

 My newest PA TIMES article is a reflection on: Our Founding Fathers: What Would They Say? with regard to four major topic areas. The topic areas were picked based on their status as priority concerns to every U.S. citizen. I could have written much more on every topic… but I know my thoughts on each area will get you thinking too!” 

Enjoy the read. PA TIMES Online: Our Founding Fathers: What Would They Say?

This quarters American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) article: Public Administration: Endless Lifelong Learning, represents a reflection of a major professional element of my career in the public service arena. Working in a public administration role uniquely requires a continuous improvement focus in multiple lifelong learning categories. They are all “naturally” built into public service jobs, but rarely are professionally identified as Endless Lifelong Learning responsibilities… but they are.

Be thoughtful as you read the article. Each paragraph offers an additional career reflection. And for those employed in public service, I hope the article adds value to everything that you do.

Public Administration: Endless Lifelong Learning

Did anyone ever GOOGLE the term “Security Blanket”?  If you did, my guess is that you found Dictionary.com’s definition and meaning to read something like this:

“Someone or something that gives a person a sense of protection or a feeling of security.”

Now at first glance, you may be wondering which TRIPLE III TIME topic area does Security Blanket fall under?  Communication?  Professional Development?  Innovation?  Leadership?  Or maybe that Special Topics area!

Let me explain.

Throughout my professional career, I have been fortunate to have co-workers that have provided me with that “sense of protection or a feeling of security.”  Whether it was during a major Board meeting, preparing for an audit/monitoring visit, or delivering a workshop message, having individuals in the room that know, trust and support me has made me a better leader, communicator, and innovator!!

Likewise, I know I have reversed the Security Blanket role when I have attended a colleague/co-workers event/meeting.  I could feel the extra confidence they had knowing I was there to support them and benefit from the learning they were offering.  However, most often Security Blanket benefits are received in an unspoken and unthanked style…and are only quietly acknowledged.

This week’s TRIPLE III TIME message title:  Recognizing & Appreciating “Security Blankets,” says it all.  I recommend we break the Security Blanket silence and toss out a “THANK YOU” whenever you realize or experience a Security Blanket moment.  Today I wish I could go back and let individuals or the gang know how protected and secure they made me feel everyday…EVERYDAY!

But I guess this TRIPLE III will have to fill the void for today.