Approach:
- Define both aptitude and attitude.
- Mention the role of aptitude.
- Mention the role of positive attitude.
- Conclusion.
Aptitude is a component of a competency to do a certain kind of work at a certain level while attitude refers to a psychological response to a particular situation, person, thing or an issue. Aptitude relates with talent and competency of a person whereas attitude is associated with character or virtue.
Importance of Aptitude in the life of a Civil Servant:
Civil services form the backbone of the administration. A qualitative, professional, skilled and committed workforce is imperative to maintain the high standards of public administration.
The civil servants are entrusted with a diverse set of responsibilities such as from simple administrative tasks to complex decision making, policy implementation and serving as a link between government and citizens. Hence, it is vital for civil servants to possess diverse skills such as grasping capabilities, good analytical skills, and ability to establish collaborative networks and successful teamwork.
Laws and administrative rules cannot explain everything, and leaders cannot always mimic previous successes because of the elements affecting each challenge on a day to day basis. In such cases a civil servant needs an abundance of impromptu decision-making skills and critical thinking ability to exercise discretion with conviction.
The emerging concept of e-governance and motto of ‘Less Government More Governance’, demand transformational changes in the machinery of government as well as in the work style and orientation of government officials. With the role of Aptitude & Foundational Values for Civil Services, administrators have become equipped with the necessary skills & capabilities to meet these new challenges. They must have the aptitude to master new technologies and new styles of functioning. They should serve as the ‘Agents of Change’ to catalyse reform initiatives.
Role and Importance of Positive Attitude in the life of a Civil Servant:
Positive attitude is considered hallmark of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. Having a positive attitude helps a civil servant in –
Improving his problem-solving abilities: A civil servant with a positive mind-set has more capacity to process new information. This, in turn, improves perspective and an ability to ‘connect the dots’ while dealing with matters of public interest.
Enhancement of resilience: Positive thinking and attitude can help a civil servant to build greater resilience. This is because positive emotions help a person to quickly recover from negative emotions that he develops due to failures or mistakes in decision making and subsequent results.
Improving his/her Decision-Making Skills: Maintaining a positive mindset and attitude during adverse circumstances results in better decision making.
Thus, both attitude and aptitude hold immense potential in the life of a civil servant.