“I came across a LinkedIn post by Shelly Dass that really resonated with me. She said, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Shelly reminded me that focusing on my end goals leads to a happier place than dwelling on past regrets. Reflecting on my 36-year career with the Federal Government, and after retiring, I transitioned to a small, woman-owned IT consulting firm, I wanted to share some advice for those continuing to serve the public, whether private or within an agency. “
Robin Moses, VP, Client Services
Key Lessons
- Stay Informed: Keep your head up and stay aware of the broader Agency view and perspective. It’s also important to stay aware of key executive moves and the reasons behind them. Sometimes, changes in leadership direction are subtle, but significant signs that a strategy might be changing. When I was working on the government side, I often found that contractors knew more about my Agency’s organization than I did. But it was purposeful, as they are constantly paying attention to the bigger picture, in order to ensure their positions were secure, while I was bowing my head to deliver day-to-day. Sometimes, being strategic also means discovering the “who” and “why” behind decisions.
- Keep your Tools Sharp: The most successful individuals continually seek learning and professional development opportunities. Staying current with emerging trends and best practices is vital for personal growth and for contributing effectively to the organization’s mission. Never underestimate the importance of staying current with technology. Attend conferences and educational sessions. Continuously improve your skills and knowledge. Reach out to others who are succeeding in their roles; many are willing to share their experiences to help you avoid similar pitfalls.
- Be Flexible and Resilient. Don’t stress when things are not always going as planned, many times the change in direction will lead you to a brighter future. Imagine the government as a river, always flowing and changing. New leaders, fresh tech, and the ever-changing needs of the people shape it. But being able to adapt and change with it isn’t just important, itsit’s critical to embracing and implementing new opportunities.
- Do Good: Government Service instills a strong sense of ethics and an intention of Public Service. Bringing this mindset to the private sector fosters a culture of integrity, transparency, and corporate social responsibility, which can enhance the company’s reputation and build trust with stakeholders. As a public servant, I placed ethics and integrity at the center of my thinking and focused on advancing the public good by giving back. This also helps to give a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I enact this by volunteering on my college alumni board and helping to organize charity events.
- Plan Ahead: Government work often involves long-term projects and strategic planning. Bringing this ability to think ahead, develop comprehensive plans, and anticipate future trends can be a significant asset in the private sector, where strategic foresight is crucial for sustained growth and competitiveness.
- Value Relationships: Don’t underestimate the power of a good Happy Hour. Build your personal Board of Directors, as relationships are crucial during both challenging and triumphant times. Surround yourself with diverse individuals with various opinions to make sure you can continually challenge and support each other. Take the time to nurture these important relationships.
- Collaborate for Success: It takes a village to deliver. I was often unaware of the many people behind our Prime contractors. As a government lead, I dealt with a few, selected representatives of the Prime company, but I unaware of how multiple vendors often worked closely together behind the scenes to help also deliver and implement seamless solutions for our Agency. It often takes a dedicated team of both Feds and Contractors to deliver upon the agency’s success.
Remember:
- Keep your head up.
- Keep your tools sharp.
- Go with the flow.
- Do good.
- Plan Ahead
- Make time for relationship-building.
- It takes a village to deliver.
In reflecting on my journey, I’ve realized the importance of staying adaptable, nurturing relationships, and always keeping an eye on the bigger picture. These lessons have shaped my career and continue to guide me as I navigate new challenges. I hope these insights inspire you to focus on what truly matters and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Strengthen Your Mission with FedTec
At FedTec, we understand the unique challenges of federal agencies. Whether you’re in need of advanced IT service management (ITSM), cybersecurity, or digital solutions, our team is dedicated to driving your success. Or if you’re looking to launch your career after your government service, FedTec provides the opportunity to bring your expertise to the private sector while continuing to make an impact. Contact us today to learn how we can support your mission or your career transition.