#23: Advice from an “Old Mama”

Recently, I had this nugget of insight in my mailbox that I have received permission to share on this site. Maybe it will prove helpful for others, too:

“You are not running with the pack. Pure and simple.

When you work for the government, no matter which agency (they are all the same), to ‘get along with the dogs,’ you have to stay in the pack. If you deviate or take another path or begin to stand out – they are going to attack you, or nip at you or simply turn on you and devour you if you are weak . . . that’s why the corrupted or co-opted ones realize the best way to get ahead is to stay with the pack.

For me, I ran in a different direction – even with the State Dept back in Okla – probably why I got RIF’d, etc. When you ’shine’ or stand out, with initiative and imagination on behalf of the People – you will have troubles with the pack. The top dogs are set in their ways, indifferent or just plain hostile to ‘newcomers’ or those with initiatives, etc.

Believe me, ‘new ideas’ scare the bejesus out of them. Often because they did not come up with it themselves!

They will treat you like a criminal, or worse – detail you to ‘Siberia.’

However, there will be a one somewhere in the bureaucracy, (not often), but one who will take heed and will say truthfully – ‘that’s really a good one. Go for it, or let’s talk about it’ and it may happen that the top dogs will accept the idea or proposal or whatever and it will become a reality.

Remember – you may never get the credit – what does it matter? If the plan or idea or change happens, you know in your heart who made it come about, etc.”