Don't Fail On The Stage

Why working with the public sector is unlike anything you've ever done before

I'm not a perfomer, but I do teach and am a public speaker so I guess I am a kind of performer (just not a funny one). Like any performer though, I do understand how important it is to research your audience before you get on the stage. Even the greatest and most talented comedians will fail abysmally if the audience can't relate to them as a person; in other words if they haven't done their research. Many performers don't generalize; they stick to specific genres targeted at specific audiences.

So why then do I still see so many talented new hires step into roles within the public sector, only to stumble and fall because they don't understand where they are? They expect life to be the same as in their previous private sector roles, and that assumption can be costly; for both them and the organization. Understanding the distinct differences between public and private sector clients is crucial for success. Failing to grasp these nuances can have significant repercussions on your effectiveness, reputation, and the success of your organization.

Let me outline just some of the key differences:

Money:

Public Sector: These are your tax payments at work. This is your money (and every other tax payer in the country's money) that's being spent. Public sector budgets are typically fixed and subject to strict oversight. Funding is allocated based on policy priorities and is can be influenced by political decisions. Budget adjustments can be challenging and slow to achieve.

Private Sector: Whilst budget constraints can exist, private sector companies have more flexibility to reallocate resources, seek external funding, or invest in projects with high potential returns. Financial decisions are driven by business goals and market opportunities.

Objectives and Priorities:

Public Sector: Public sector organizations are driven by public interest and policy objectives. Their goals often center around providing services, ensuring public safety, and meeting regulatory requirements. Profit is not the primary motivator; instead, the focus is on transparency, accountability, and serving the public good.

Private Sector: In contrast, private sector companies are profit-driven. Their objectives revolve around revenue growth, market expansion, and shareholder value. Efficiency and competitive advantage are paramount.

Decision Making:

Public Sector: Decision-making in the public sector tends to be more formal and involves multiple layers of approval. Policies and regulations play a significant role, and changes often require lengthy consultations and adherence to formal procedures.

Private Sector: Private sector decision-making is generally more agile and less constrained by formalities. Decisions can often be made quickly by a few key stakeholders, allowing for faster implementation of strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Public Sector: Engaging with stakeholders in the public sector often involves a broader audience, sometimes including citizens, advocacy groups, and elected officials. Public opinion and stakeholder buy-in are critical, and there is a greater emphasis on transparency and accountability.

Private Sector: Stakeholder engagement in the private sector is more focused on customers, investors, and business partners. The communication is often more targeted, and the emphasis is on building customer loyalty and investor confidence.

Risk Tolerance:

Public Sector: Public sector entities are generally more risk-averse owing to the scrutiny they face from the public and regulatory bodies. Remember, this is your tax money at work. There is a strong emphasis on compliance and risk mitigation.

Private Sector: Private companies are typically more willing to take calculated risks to achieve growth and innovation. They operate in a competitive environment where taking risks can lead to significant rewards.

Impact on Your Role and Organization

Failing to understand these differences can have profound impacts on your role and the broader organization. As a public servant you have a responsibility that is much broader than your immediate line manager. Getting it wrong will have consequences:

Ineffective Communication:

Understanding your organization's communication style and requirements is crucial. Public sector clients require more detailed, transparent, and frequent communication due to their accountability to the public and regulatory bodies. All communication is freely available for the public to see and so accuracy must be assured. Getting communication wrong can lead to mistrust, confusion, project delays, and perhaps even a retraction or apology.

Inadequate Risk Management:

Ignoring the risk-averse nature of public sector clients can lead to proposals and actions that they perceive as too risky, causing hesitation or outright rejection. Tailoring your risk management approach to fit the client’s tolerance is essential for gaining their trust and approval.

Project Delays and Budget Overruns:

Public sector projects often involve more complex approval processes and stricter budget controls. Failing to anticipate these factors can result in project delays and budget overruns, damaging your organization’s reputation and client relationships.

Misalignment of Strategies:

If you apply private sector strategies and expectations to public sector clients without considering their unique constraints and objectives, you risk misalignment. This can lead to unrealistic expectations, frustrated clients, and unsuccessful projects.

Loss of Business:

If you are an organization working with public sector clients a lack of understanding and adaptability can lead to client dissatisfaction, negatively impacting your organization's ability to win repeat business or secure new contracts. Building a reputation for understanding and effectively serving public sector clients can be a significant competitive advantage.

Strategies for Success

To successfully navigate the complexities of working within the public sector or working with public sector clients, consider the following strategies:

Do your research - and keep it up to date:

Invest time in understanding the public sector landscape, including its regulatory environment, budget cycles, and stakeholder engagement practices. Talk to potential new colleagues who are already in the environment. Use networking groups and user groups and resources on places such as LinkedIn learning to get a feel for the sector. Don't go in blind; you'll be like that performer failing on the stage. Training and professional development can equip you and potentially your team (if you're trying to attract a public sector client) with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Build Strong Relationships:

Develop relationships with key stakeholders within public sector organizations. Understanding their needs, concerns, and decision-making processes can help you tailor your approach and build trust.

Adapt Your Communication:

Ensure your communication is transparent, detailed, and frequent. Provide regular updates, be responsive to inquiries, and involve stakeholders in decision-making processes to build confidence and buy-in.

Tailor Your Proposals:

If you're seeking to work with public sector organizations and depts align your proposals with their objectives, risk tolerance, and budget constraints. Demonstrate how your solutions address their specific challenges and contribute to public interest and policy goals. Don't forget to leverage case studies and other success stories by using examples of successful projects with other public sector clients to build credibility. Highlight how your organization has navigated similar challenges and delivered value in a public sector context.

Conclusion

Stepping into a new relationship or role within the public sector without understanding its unique dynamics is like performing without knowing your audience—destined for failure. The distinctions between public and private sector operations are not just trivial differences; they are foundational and can drastically affect your success and that of the organization.

Public sector work requires a deep appreciation for the constraints and expectations around budget management, decision-making processes, stakeholder engagement, and risk tolerance. These elements shape the environment in ways that are fundamentally different from the private sector. Missteps in communication, risk management, strategy alignment, and project execution can have far-reaching negative impacts, from damaged reputations to financial losses and missed opportunities.

To thrive, it's essential to approach the public sector with the right mindset and strategies. Do your research, build strong relationships, adapt your communication, and (if necessary) tailor your proposals are all critical steps to ensure alignment with public sector values and expectations. By understanding and embracing these differences, you can position yourself for success, delivering value that truly meets the needs of the public sector and contributes to the public good. Your efforts will enable you to make a meaningful impact in an environment that plays a crucial role in society.