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(U//FOUO) Letters to the Editor : Awards and High-Priority Targets
FROM: the SIDtoday Editor
Unknown
Run Date: 07/15/2005
(U//FOUO) We received a number of comments about the article Mailbag Question: Are More
Awards Given to Those Working Highest-Priority Targets? Here's a small sampling, with opposing
views:
From: anonymous
Comment:
(U//FOUO) The comment I would make is that if the target you work doesn't affect promotions,
we are missing the opportunity to attract folks to staff higher-priority missions. In fact, it is
counterproductive and annoying that "fair share" seems to be the approach used. So if Person A
has been working the same target for 15 years in one product line while Person B has moved to
diversify -- and I don't mean hopscotching around without gathering target depth -- and in so
doing, has taken on watches, crises, etc., both get the same consideration for promotion? I say,
why bother taking the more challenging positions.
(U//FOUO) This is borne out by the huge number of GS13-to-14 promotions in [certain "unsexy"
product lines], where longevity now seems to get you promoted now that they're running out of
people to promote... I realize this is a bit of a generalization, but in our drive to be "fair," we're
getting ridiculous and ignoring mission. The problem is, we're never straight with the workforce
about precisely what behavior will truly influence promotion. We got rid of boards that were,
true, very cumbersome, but far more reasonable than single managers exercising silly favoritism
in a fair-share environment.
From: anonymous
Comment:
(U//FOUO) The question is a reasonable one to ask. However, I don't feel like the answer is
based on reality. You can cite all of the policy bologna you want, but the reality is that upper
management will promote folks to 14 and 15 based on whether the upper-level management
agenda is being adhered to. Upper level management gravitates toward the hot and now topics
vs. the mundane day-to-day topics that need to be addressed. We have seen this repeatedly in
[my product line], and I have no reason to think that it is different anywhere else in the Agency.
"(U//FOUO) SIDtoday articles may not be republished or reposted outside NSANet
without the consent of S0121 (DL sid_comms)."
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