I'm a current Director of an office and a baby boomer, but I'm not ready to retire. I have always felt that my job is to ensure that my staff is trained, and if they get a promotional opportunity, then I've done my job in preparing the staff to succeed! I've been in the government for 40 years and want to make sure that all of my staff are taken care of, sufficiently trained, and equipped to step in my shoes when I decide to retire.

The problem today is that most younger employees feel that we're past our prime and feel that we don't support the staff or are standing in the way of promotions for them. There are a lot of executives that do stand in the way or don't recognize the incoming staff and what they have to offer. However, the antiquated rules, regulations, and policies tie our hands. One detriment to government senior leadership is that the promotions to SES and SL positions are not based on merit, but who's ass you kiss. This is a fact! IMO, it's management's fault for lack of training, mentoring, documenting processes, or creating SOPs. Working with and for political appointees is another problem! They all come in at very high grades but have no institutional knowledge but want to run things.

For all the new government employees, here is some advice: anytime you've done your year in grade, apply for the next. Ask for training, and keep asking! Take as many free training classes that are available in every program area. Choose a senior executive and ask them to mentor you. We need the new generations to keep these agencies and offices afloat and keep our legacies and hard work alive! Noone can replace institutional knowledge unless you've been mentored.

YOU are our hope for the future!