FOI Philippines' Team Guide

I wrote this team guide for my office staff back in September 24, 2018, out of frustration when what I thought I had taught by example didn't exactly trickle down to team members. Since writing it, I've had less to deal with, and that makes me happy. I'd like to believe these learnings and teachings are what makes our team one of the best work horses of our department. 

I'd like to share it with you now because it just might work for your team too. My FOI Team is small (we're less than 30 as of the moment). I think the principles shared here work best for small teams (anywhere between 3 to 50) in a government setting.

FOI-PMO Team Guide (24 Sept 2018)

1. Our mission and shared goal is to operationalize FOI throughout government. All our efforts should be consistent and lead to the attainment of 100% compliance to the program.

2. To accomplish #1, our team must be agile, nimble, and able to adapt or respond quickly to the unpredictable political landscape. 

3. To achieve #2, our office structure must strive to be flat. A flat structure encourages people to work together and allows for overlap in effort, which often empowers co-workers to do what needs to be done.

4. Salary grades (SG) mean just that—a person’s salary. In this office, it doesn’t bestow rank. Whether SG 11 or SG 23, there should be no hierarchy. We are all co-workers in FOI advocacy.

5. Given our small team, there is no need for deputies or assistant division chiefs. There is only the division chief. He or she is directly responsible for his co-workers in the division.

6. There should be no walls or barriers between divisions. I cannot stress it enough that here in FOI, divisions are not independent kingdoms. Divisions may have their principal assignments, but there is no exclusivity of work. In fact, divisions are encouraged to help each other and share their strengths. Always complement or supplement each other. Remember, we are stronger as one family. 

7. Division chiefs are the ates and the kuyas of the office. They bring with them years of experience working in government, and are a rich source of knowledge and wisdom. That said, division chiefs should exercise empathy, and mentor their co-workers. Motivate, empower and inspire them. 

8. Co-workers should respect division chiefs. They are the ates and kuyas of the office. They bring with them years of experience working in government, and are a rich source of knowledge and wisdom. Learn from them. 

9. There is no place for hypocrisy in the office. Co-workers should walk their talk. For example, when we preach transparency, we should be transparent ourselves. 

10. In case of doubt, remember the words of James Madison, “A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or tragedy, or both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. And a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” Let his words be our guide.

AKRA