In one of my application examinations, I was asked to give an example of a fellow worker whom I have helped become a better government employee. This is my answer:
Being a unit head indeed is an immense responsibility. As a leader, you are expected to model commendable work ethics, impeccable decision-making skills, and positive behavior to your subordinates.
My staff who was hired as my replacement as the Project Development Officer II in 2021 is now promoted as an Education Program Supervisor in our office. I certainly believe that his promotion is the fruit of his productive years as a member of the DepEd Region III Public Affairs Unit, and if it’s not to brag, I can say that I have contributed to this success as his former superior.
As his former boss, I ensured he gained training and career development opportunities. Complementing his admirable skills and work attitude, I also espoused the healthy environment in our unit that provided him with the work experience and disposition to help him get to where he is now.
I am also confident that my leadership style along with my traits and attitudes also became an inspiration to him. Oftentimes, I would receive messages from him saying that he learned so much from me, and the kind of relationship that we shared not only as superior and subordinate but also as colleagues and friends is a source of inspiration and motivation.
On the other hand, my other staff who is now 31 years old is a typical millennial person who needs the push and reminder. Even before I was the unit head of PAU, I have known him to be very laidback when it comes to meeting deadlines and completing the tasks assigned to him.
When I assumed the position three years ago, I strategized on how I could help him become more motivated and conscious of deadlines and work timelines. I started reminding him of his tasks until one time, I noticed that he had already become more responsible and conscious of his work assignments. I would no longer need to remind him and with that, I am fulfilled as a leader.
There’s a saying that a leader’s greatest accomplishment is to be able to produce a better leader than himself or herself. I hope that through my work values, I am able to inspire young people to uphold integrity and ethics in the fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities both personally and professionally.
