Funcionarios, más allá de su función. | María Luisa Álvarez de Toledo | TEDxOviedoUniversity
Understanding the Role of Public Officials
Perception of Public Officials
- The speaker begins by referencing a photo of François Hollande, the French president, to illustrate public perceptions of officials. A friend expressed disbelief at how someone with such an unremarkable appearance could attain such a prestigious position.
- The speaker reflects on this perception, noting that many view public officials as "gray" individuals lacking charisma or appeal, often isolated in bureaucratic settings.
- There is a common stereotype that public servants only need to pass one exam and then enjoy a lifetime of job security without further effort, which the speaker disputes.
Critique of Administrative Appointments
- The speaker highlights issues within Spain's public administration, where high-ranking positions are often filled through nepotism rather than merit-based examinations.
- This practice contributes to negative stereotypes about civil servants being lazy and disconnected from societal needs.
Responsibilities and Mindset of Public Servants
- The speaker emphasizes that being a public servant involves serving citizens passionately and responsibly. It requires dedication and an understanding of one's duties.
- They argue that effective public service necessitates continuous learning and adaptation to meet citizens' needs.
Essential Qualities for Public Officials
Continuous Learning
- A key quality for public officials is the ability to stay updated with current knowledge relevant to their field. For example, medical professionals must keep abreast of new practices for effective patient care.
Creativity in Service Delivery
- Creativity is essential for public servants; they must engage with citizens similarly to private sector employees. This includes marketing services effectively to meet community interests.
Technological Proficiency
- In today's data-driven environment, proficiency in technology is crucial for managing information efficiently within the public sector. Public officials should be adept at using software and tools necessary for their roles.
The Importance of Continuous Learning and Collaboration in Public Service
The Necessity of Education and Work
- Continuous education and work are essential for all professions, including public servants, educators, and healthcare professionals. Staying updated with technology is crucial.
- Without ongoing study and effort, individuals risk falling behind. Education is rewarding, as is the satisfaction derived from well-executed work.
Examples of Technological Integration
- The National Library of Spain collaborates with Google to prepare linked data about Spanish locations for integration into Google Maps, showcasing modern technological applications in traditional settings.
- The Instituto Cervantes has organized training on Big Data for its staff to better manage the vast amounts of citizen data held by public administrations.
Collaboration as a Key Element
- Effective collaboration is vital; no one possesses all knowledge. Group work enhances progress in fields like physics where large teams contribute to significant discoveries.
- Leadership within collaborative efforts is necessary; it should rotate among team members to ensure effective guidance while working towards common goals.
Professional Identity and Social Media Use
- Public officials must cultivate their professional identity online through platforms like LinkedIn rather than using social media solely for personal interests.
- A strong professional identity can lead to career advancement opportunities; neglecting this aspect can hinder job prospects.
Challenges in Adopting New Technologies
- Despite having good infrastructure, public servants need improvement in applying new technologies effectively in their roles.
- Many public employees limit themselves to basic tools like WhatsApp or Twitter instead of leveraging more advanced digital skills available through various courses.
The Path Forward: Training and Responsibility
- There are numerous free or paid online courses available for skill development; lack of training often stems from personal choice rather than availability.
- The future job market will demand skilled workers; thus, continuous learning is imperative for both current employees and those aspiring to enter public service roles.
Metaphor: Public Service as a Journey
- Working in public service resembles the Camino de Santiago journey—each day presents new challenges and learning opportunities that require support from others while adapting to changing circumstances.