An Uneventful and Inexperienced experience of a budding civil Servant;

During my primary school the blunt statement goes ‘I want to become Lyonpo in future’, ‘One day I will become a salaried Civil Servant’ and ‘I want to serve Tsawa Sum’. Had no stint of idea about what Lyonpos and civil servants do or what does Tsawa Sum mean.

After the democratic 2008, gone away the aim of being lyonpo but here entered the Civil Service cadre. Long way to serve Tsawa Sum but Tsawa Sum served and serving me every day. 

It’s been running 11 months joining civil service, and I would like to share some of my reflections and experience so far for fellow younger ones.

You are part of organization; organization isn’t part of you.

Don’t think you are too important or indispensable for organization but think organization is important and indispensable for you. You are important only if you consider yourself. Don’t expect anyone treating you important or valuing your inputs.

Trust is a biggest social capital:

Trusting your colleagues and seniors are way forward. Rely on anyone but don’t depend too much on anyone unless you really trust him/her. It’s okay to ask questions or seek help from people who are professionally subordinate to you. They are approachable and good source of learning. Be aware of people’s vibe though. Some would be so encouraging, caring and interested to groom you while others would look down your capacity and shun you down for what you do.

Soft skills are important than your contribution;

Soft skills are important than your academic marks and your opinion on the matter. As new entrants into the job ‘Micro skills are more important than your substance contribution’. Excel, Microsoft word, writing emails, being basic IT savvy, talking on the phone, how to speak with people, responding to call, ability to have patience, networking with people, being sociable for people to talk to you, the way you dress, walk and maintain yourself are important than our contribution. Of all being passionate and proactive is must for our seniors and colleagues to let you work and try things out. No one would be happy to give a task to an inactive, and disinterested person.  

Do not think about changing the system. There is rightly and justifiably less room for us to have our strategic roles in most cases. It's okay to involve in coordination work, printing documents, ordering tea and snacks for meetings, etc. As an entrant into the system every job is learning.

Listening is important than talking;

Meeting is a good source of learning. You just need to increase your absorption capacity and willingness to sit through the numerous meetings. Meetings are enlightening and illuminating for new entrant.  You might be the smartest, brightest but not sure if seniors are willing to teach or tell you mostly if you are active in sharing your own ideas. Open your mind, ears and eyes but not much of mouth. Be passionate and genuine to know your roles to contribute later down the line. Respectfully listen to others not that they are older and seniors to us but they have experienced realities more than us.

Thank you and good luck fellow younger ones. We are the future! 

Disclaimer: This is all my personal views and hope this helps fellow younger generations starting the career. I do not intend to be pessimistic but maybe I guess it probably might help you to come on the earth for reality check and manage your expectation. Wish you good luck. Not applicable to all organizations, job positions, or sectors. Mainly meant for younger ones.

Request: I beseech my classmates from RIM and other fellow younger ones to share your initial experience into the job. Other seniors and experienced oldies also could share but would love to hear more about your initial or starting moment of the career.