For your final assignment, you will write a paper (8-10 pages) that focuses on the insights on leadership gained from your interviews, resources (e.g. journal articles), as well as theories and practices gained in this course. The paper should also bring attention to a selected trend or issue that faces public leaders (leadership in the pubic/non-profit sector). The overarching question that should be addressed in your paper: What is a leader in the public sector?
1.
Please describe your position and work duties.
I am a Unit Chief for a federal law enforcement agency. Department of Homeland
Security Immigration & Customs Enforcement (HSI) Homeland Security Investigations. I
supervise Criminal Investigators, Social scientists, and Management Program Analysts.
2.
From your point of view, is there a difference between an administrator and a
leader?
Yes, an administrator only thinks about the agency’s goal and how to arrive at that goal;
meanwhile, a leader looks at everything comprehensive, including the well-being of the
employees, and encompasses achieving the mission and the destination. They also do so
while focusing on improving the life and quality of the employees.
3.
Do you see yourself as a leader? Why or why Not?
Yes, I see myself as a leader. I say this because I tend to look at this holistically. For
example, I have a boss that believes that if an employee does not do as you say, he
believes in terminating them. However, I believe in speaking to an employee to see why
they are doing what they are doing, and sometimes an employee may have an emotional
conflict or something going on in their personal lives. Also, as a leader, you must think of
ways to train and empower your staff because we need to focus on grooming employees
into future leaders of the organization. A lot of managers do not think that they think they
are going to be there in that position forever.
4.
What characteristics distinguish you from other leaders within your institution?
I possess quite a bit of characteristic that distinguishes me from other leaders. I am
compassionate, strong will, pathetic, and a forward thinker.
5.
How do you view your work and the importance of leadership in getting things
accomplished?
I view my work as essential for the agency for which I work. It is a crucial job, and you
need good leadership. You need leaders who are into getting things done because you are
playing with people’s lives.
6.
How do you view your organization and the role of leaders in it?
I view leaders in my organization as very few and in between. In the organization, there
is male dominancy. The organization does not look to promote leaders. They tend to
promote friendship. And they tend to put leaders or their friends in managerial positions;
however, they do not possess managerial skills. So, in my organization, leadership is one
of the qualities that is not looked upon when assigning leaders. However, if you do not
have good qualities, no matter what, they cannot change that about you. For example,
some people do not have compassion, and compassion is not a skill learned; it’s more
from within a person’s personality.
7.
What challenges do you and other leaders face in your institutional role?
The challenge we face right now is trying to keep morale within the agency up when
there are leaders and managers above us that is constantly placing employees in position
in which they are ready to resign or transfer to another agency. The challenges Im facing
are keeping the morale up, keeping tenure employees here in the agency, and not having
them quit.
8.
What opportunities does your institution have for developing leaders?
They have quite a bit established to promote leaders. However, it is voluntary. Its not
mandatory. Also, sometimes the work is so intense that leaders are not able to attend due
to being so involved in management, meetings, trainings, and everything else.
9.
How would you approach leadership development?
I would ensure that all managers within the first year of accepting a managerial position
attend at least one leadership training. And subsequently after that, every six months to a
year. And, with an evaluation afterward to see if there was anything that was retained and
is being applied. The training must be consistent.
10.
What advice do you have about leadership for graduate students entering the
field?
My advice to anyone coming into the field is you need to find a strong mentor. To help
guide you in your career. Seek out leadership training throughout even your journeyman
level of employment. So that when you aspire to become a leader or manager, you will
have prior skills. Think about your managers in your past jobs. Think about the difficulty
you encountered while you were a regular associate. It’s only through analyzing and
looking at different situations as well as perspectives is when you can learn, analyze, and
better your skills to which you can do better.
11.
Do you have any additional comments that you would like to add?
For upcoming leaders, managers need to let the individuals lead. Do not micromanage
their decision or micromanage their work. If they are tasked with leading, let them lead.
Saviana Jones
Section Chief
Department of Homeland Security
September 22, 2022 at 11:15am
443-202-1641
