The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2004

R ecently, we have seen the damage of the havoc wrought by abuse-of-power issues as they surfaced inmany pro- fessions: in the clergy and in media organizations, at big corporations and, most recently and graphically, in the military. The Foreign Service is not immune, andwe all know that abuse of power has long been an underaddressed prob- lem. We could be—and should be—doing better at every level: ambassadors, mission directors, project officers and even new entry professionals. Like themilitary, the Foreign Service is hierarchically structured; we have our own chain of command and it's risky business taking on the boss, even when the boss is out of line and damaging the reputation not only of the Foreign Service, but of the United States. Overseas, no FS employee challenges a mission director, an ambas- sador or DCM lightly. Despite all of the dissent awards given by AFSA, it is diffi- cult to counteract such behavior, especially in our risk-averse culture. The linger- ing fear is always that dissent will be punished. After all, promotions and future assign- ments (and the individuals who make those determinations) are never far from an officer’s mind. Such an environment is conducive for abuses to be ignored or swept under the lumpy, proverbial carpet. I have been the USAID AFSA vice president for about a year. During this time, I have had numerous phone calls, visits andmeetings about abuses inmissions; cer- tainly more than enough to convince me that the issue warrants attention. Power is an intoxicant and can prove to be so delicious that it is a cup from which it is all too easy to drink. Professionalismandmaturity can be antidotes to overblown egos, but are sometimes in short supply in themanagement medicine chest. More broad- ly, agencies have an obligation to provide an abuse-free work environment. Several incidents of abuse come to mind, and I want to shine a spotlight on a few in the hope that the “ounce of prevention” theory might work. Actually, I am hoping formore—the “more” is called courage. I’mhoping we will have the courage to make sure that our profession avoids the scandal that has plagued others. CASE ONE: There is a mission director who yells and screams at junior officers about their lack of familiarity with USAIDwork procedures, yet has failed to assure appropriate mentoring or enough training for them. Subordinates cannot rectify a knowledge gap or training deficiency if their mission director is not willing to assist them by providing opportunities to expand their knowledge base. CASE TWO: There is the always-in-a-hurry project officer who berates and demeans the Foreign Service National driver who seems not to know the correct destination for a site visit. Yet the officer had failed to inform the motor pool in advance where he needed to go. Cooperation and respect includes co-workers at all levels and job types. Respect and cordiality need to flow in both directions, not just upward to one’s superiors. CASE THREE: There is the junior officer who capriciously dismisses household help. Household help have no AFSA-like organization to defend their rights. Junior offi- cers must remember that they represent the U.S. government and the American peo- ple. Let’s leave the “Ugly American” stereotype behind as an unfortunate relic of the last century. Certainly, more training can be helpful, but maturity, civility and decency are the real answers, and so is courage. ▫ V.P. VOICE: USAID BY BILL CARTER Bully in the Pulpit JULY-AUGUST 2004 • AFSA NEWS 13 AAFSW: FS Community Resource The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide, a nonprofit organization serving the Foreign Service community, continues to add services for the Foreign Service community. The Web site, www.aafsw.org, fea tures columns written by members of the community. Kelly Midura, also known as “the cyberspouse,” writes a series on living frugally in the Foreign Service. Stephanie Tansey writes an interactive column on the art of representation and entertaining. Patricia Linderman takes on relationships in the Foreign Service in the provocative and popular “Personal and Confidential.” A useful resource on the site is the classified ads, which provide a free place for members to advertise. For people without reliable Internet access, AAFSWhas also started “tele- sessions,” conference calls about key Foreign Service topics. Recent topics have included: building a strong Foreign Service marriage, relocating, raising kids in the Foreign Service and thriving as a Foreign Service spouse. For the most recent schedule, check www.aafsw.org or contact the AAFSWoffice at (202) 362-6514 or office@aafsw.org. AAFSW is in direct communication with posts through post representatives in over 25 countries, and welcomes more volunteers for the post rep posi- tions. For more information on all AAFSWhas to offer, go to www.aafsw.org. Annuity Overpayment Update As of late May, 26 retirees had come to AFSA asking for assistance in responding to department demands for repayment of annuity overpayments. AFSA is working hard to assist these retirees and to push for a more fair and transparent system. If you have received an overpayment notice, let AFSA know by contacting Retiree Activities Coordinator Bonnie Brown at e-mail: brown@afsa.org or by phone: (202) 338-4045, ext. 509. ▫ AFSA NEWS BRIEFS