The Foreign Service Journal, December 2018

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2018 57 training venues. I have documented every event we’ve held photographically using the office camera. I also work with the authorized travel agency to get the best flight cost and schedules for EXBS personnel and training participants. Indonesia has a unique traditional culture. High-ranking people and VIPs in local government are accustomed to being treated like kings. In my daily activities, I assist the program coordinator and EXBS adviser with meetings, seminars and trainings. That puts me in a position to deal with and help VIPs and institution chiefs face-to-face. Sometimes I have to assist them with interpreting, translating, giving directions if they are overseas, filling out forms and ordering in restaurants. I have to do it very politely and carefully, because if I don’t, they won’t be happy, and we don’t want them to be unhappy. Back in 2012 I had to interpret for a meeting between the EXBS adviser and a one-star general of the Indonesian national police. The general had an interpreter, a policewoman, but the adviser didn’t understand her English. So the adviser asked the general’s permission to use me as an interpreter. It was the first time I had sat down between U.S. and Indonesian representa- tives. The meeting room was fully air-conditioned, and it was very cold; but still, I got sweaty, because I didn’t want to make any mistakes, and my heart beat very fast. As it happened, the meeting went well; both the general and my adviser were satis- fied, and so was I. On another occasion I escorted a delegation from the Indonesian government to the United States for training and visiting. In a restaurant during the lunch break, one official was confused by the menu, so I offered to help. In the end, I trans- lated the entire menu, including the ingredients in every single dish. He was happy and able to find his favorites. When we got back to Indonesia, this gentleman allowed me to call his cell phone at any time to discuss anything related to his agency. Generally, the U.S. embassy has a good work environment and atmosphere. The facilities have a good impact on local employees mentally and physically, as well. One suggestion is: Support from the State Department HQ for better career paths in the organization would help FSNs be even more successful in their work. I see the American employee as a supervisor or beyond. What I would like to see is more attention on career develop- ment and more discussion about future plans for the local staff. If an employee deserves an increased grade, then it should be processed smoothly. If the local staff member does the job very well, then he or she deserves to be considered for a reward. It would stimulate them to do their jobs better. Treat LE Staff as the Professionals They Are n MABEL STAMPF, SHIPPING ASSISTANT, U.S. EMBASSY ASUNCION, PARAGUAY Listen to the local employees. They have the knowledge and experience required for the job they’re doing. They understand the culture and know how to handle the different situations. Treat the local employees with respect and as professionals. They can be of great help to U.S. officers in reaching the sec- tion’s goals and objectives. Encourage good and open commu- nication, and share information. Listen to different opinions about a specific subject. Keep a good working environment. This will cause the employees to work happier, harder and more efficiently. Recognize their hard work. Motivation is very important. Recognize that, as human beings, employees make mistakes. It is important to talk about it and guide them on how to proceed in the future. A supervisor’s words of encouragement are always welcome and can cause a big change in an employee’s morale. Make LE staff feel that they are part of the team. They will always do their best when they feel they are part of the team. The embassy should focus on recognizing the local employ- ees’ hard work and experience. Support them by sending Mabel Stampf, at right, receives the 2014 State Department FSN of the Year Award from then-Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resouces Heather Higginbottom.