The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2005

Even if the problem really is new or unique, an experienced professional would probably be able to delve into his/her “bag of tricks” and come up with a workable recommendation. One additional benefit of this on-site assistance is that “putting a face to a name” definitely helps establish a more personal, friendly relationship between the corps member(s) and colleagues at other posts — which eases future communications between the two parties. • Support by e-mail/phone. It may take an experienced corps member just a few min- utes to answer a question that may seem awkward or extremely complicated to others. Particularly once a per- sonal relationship has been established, it becomes easi- er to provide direct, immediate assistance to other posts by e-mail, which allows the transmission of reference documents, regulations, samples, etc. • Hands-on, one-on-one training. The importance of formal training is indisputable; nevertheless, hands-on and one-on-one training should always complement it. The Executive Corps program offers this type of training, which can be specifically tailored to current needs of the post/organization. My own experience with the Post Administrative Software Suite confirms this. PASS is the software developed by Washington to maintain and update all data and information required by post man- agement to properly run the embassy. It basically includes all information pertinent to the HR, GSO and FMC sections’ operations. • Exchange of information. This is probably one of the key aspects of the program. The possibility of exchang- ing or sharing various types of information and data also helps keep everybody updated. This is an essential fea- ture considering the variety of policies, regulations and procedures that are continuously implemented or modi- fied. Two examples from the human resources field are CAJE — the Computer Aided Job Evaluation system, used worldwide to classify local posi- tions — and PSA-Plus — Personal Services Agreement-Plus, the new pro- gram used worldwide, with few ex- ceptions, to hire local employees. What Corps Members Get Out of It • Increased expertise. Participa- tion in this program benefits Execu- tive Corps members by affording them the opportunity to see and com- pare different work environments and, thus, expand their overall knowl- edge. While similar in nature, some problems may have different facets when faced at different posts, and the exposure to these diverse realities provides corps mem- bers with the opportunity to learn more and become true experts in their fields. • Morale boosts. Selection as an FSN Executive Corps member is, at least in my opinion, also a recognition of the employee’s professionalism. It is a way to em- power local staff. Being asked to assist other posts/col- leagues and being sent to the field as an official repre- sentative of a regional structure is an indication that your successful work performance at post is appreciated. This is particularly true when one considers that the responsi- bilities of a corps member include having direct contact with other posts’ management, and often serving as the key adviser on specific problems. • New ideas/suggestions. Exchange of information is not just a one-way street. While it’s the Executive Corps’ role to assist clients and provide solutions, a visit to anoth- er post can provide inspiration on how to handle differ- ently (and better) work or projects at the member’s home post. This is even more true when you consider the pos- sibility of sharing your own experiences, questions and doubts with other corps members who might have been working on similar projects at different posts but wel- come another perspective. (CAJE, again, is a very good example.) • Good feelings. Important as Foreign Service work is, it is not always very emotionally satisfying. So, realiz- ing that you are able to help others in the performance of their jobs, as well as training them and developing their abilities, is highly gratifying — a win-win situation for all concerned.  F O C U S J U LY- A U G U S T 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 61 A visit to another post can provide inspiration on how to handle work or projects at the member’s home post. Aldo Negrotti, an FSN with Embassy Rome, joined its human resources department in 1992 and is now the senior local employee in the mission for management of the locally employed staff. He has been a member of the FSN Executive Corps since 2003.