Transitioning out of the Public Service

Many of those who attended the 2 sessions we offered called AMA: Transitioning out of the Public Service, came because they knew Laura Wesley personally or by reputation. They wanted to listen to Laura tell their story about how and why they left the public service.

Participants shared their own hopes and frustrations as well. Like Laura, they had come to the public service in order to be part of something larger than themselves. They yearned to help create meaningful change at a grand scale. But in time, they have become disappointed and disillusioned by being part of a system they see as being “based on compliance rather than courage, performance, and integrity”, a system in which so many talented people feel disenfranchised.

They asked questions like “what could I do personally” and “what could we do collectively” to transform this system? As one participant pointed out so wisely, “we are the system, that’s why change begins with the self”. We heard from these change makers a strong desire to continue their work to challenge the status quo within the culture of the public service.

Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet and connect with others who have similar ambitions. They found it to be “a beautiful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. Imagine what we could create together! Thank you for renewing my energy to find a path to increased impact and connection.”

This expressed longing for more connection with others like them moved us to create our first coaching circle for those who are struggling to be well while creating meaningful change every day within the public sector. A coaching circle is a space where you can speak honestly and confidentially with your peers and imagine what “would need to happen for public service to not continue to lose people like you."

Read our blog to find out more about the power of coaching circles.