I love listening to staff officers–especially PAOs–give the “if only” talk. There are lots of folks out there who could end the war and conquer the world … if only they had a couple more people on their team, another HD video camera, and access to the commander.
Sometimes, I’m as guilty as the rest of us. When I spend time and energy Wanting the things I can’t have, I don’t have the time and energy to Do the things I should be doing. But, when I spend time and energy Doing the things I should be doing, I don’t Want any of the things I can’t have.
Two problems with being a Wanter instead of a Doer:
First, you’re not going to get the things you want … because you’re not obsessed with taking action and achieving effects. Commanders don’t reward staff officers who are all talk, no action.
Second, you’ve established that it is your nature to be a Wanter. If you get more positions added to your section, you’re going to Want to send them to training or buy more equipment. If you get another HD video camera, you’re going to Want a new lens and computer … and another camera to get multiple angles while filming. And if you get access to your commander’s meetings, you’re just going to Want to go on all their TDYs and get access to their Outlook calendar.
You’re a Wanter. Don’t a Wanter. Be a Doer.
Use what you have, and take action.
People. Sure, it sounds great to have a robust team of skilled military journalists and communicators, executing the commander’s Public Affairs priorities. If only you had more people, you could stop spending all of your time justifying and recruiting and training and managing and replacing those people. Don’t you see the cycle? Try this: release yourself of the admin tasks of growing your team beyond the bare minimum capacity. Reinvest that time, effort and credibility into Doing your best public affairs work. Keep your team small and busy.
Resources. You have a limited amount of equipment. Or no equipment. For as much time as PAOs spend pouring over the ESPS or DVAS equipment lists, we actually work in a surprisingly low-tech career field. If you’re focused on building a command information plan, then get to know your Soldiers and tell creative stories. Snap photos with your iPhone, write and share compelling stories, and do it over and over again. Either your leaders will reward your Doing with equipment to Do even more … or they’ll be impressed and satisfied with the amount of Doing you Do.
Access. Commander doesn’t have time for, or isn’t interested in, Public Affairs? Get to work and Do something connected to the commander’s priorities. Do lots of things that are connected to the commander’s priorities. Do only things that are connected to the commander’s priorities. You’ll catch their attention, and when they meet a communication need or crisis, they’ll call you: a PAO with a Doer reputation.
Time. Let us know if you figure this one out. It’s our only limited resource. Spend the time you have as a Doer, not a Wanter.
(Photo by SSG David Beckstrom, DVIDS)
