Return to Article: The Filter Dilemma
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Here in the rarified air of Washington, it is absolutely unthinkable to speak up about problems to senior staff. The cronyism and nepotism know no bounds and retaliation is assured.
For example, numerous staff complain to the union about the same types of problems. Union gets frustrated and vows to talk to upper management and address the problems. Ah, but there's the rub! The Secretary and a Deputy Assist. Sec. are good buddies. The DAS is very best friends with your second line supervisor; they are even godparents to each others' relatives. One of the DAS's godchildren supposedly works in your office. Several relations for one or the other work in various offices in your command chain. When the union requests a meeting with the Deputy Sec., he/she can't meet with them but, surprise, surprise, the DAS can.
Care to bet the issues will be addressed? How much information do you think gets relayed up the chain? Does anyone want to bet how confidential things remain about that meeting?
Having seen the results of meetings with a vindictive DAS, is it any wonder my co-workers and I think senior management is corrupt and won't even talk with them?
Sorry, HR folks, this is the unvarnished reality in my agency.
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Brian's article is absolutely right, absolutely on point, something I've been telling managers for years, and will never be accomplished in the federal government. Managers are not selected in the federal government for their interest in getting up out of their chair, going to their employees, and getting information first hand. It is a command and control environment where the culture would frown on a senior manager who spoke to his "underlings" and retaliation against the "underlings" who talk to senior managers about what is actually going on in their workplace.
I've spoken to lots and lots of very senior managers and they all say the same thing-- it is very lonely working in their agencies because their employees avoid them in the halls, in the fitness centers, and in the cafeterias. When I mention to employees that they should informally discuss their workplace problems with their senior managers they look at me like I'm just plain nuts.
My job in HR has been a bridge between employees and managers. I can tell you after over 15 years of federal service that the bridge is in the worst shape I've ever seen it and there are active plans at DoD and DHS to make the bridge unserviceable.
HR Specialist
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