When I Feel Many Civil Servants are Reeling from Unprecedented Attacks on Their Work and Ethics…Some Thoughts
12 Core Principles : Insights Inspired by Former CISA Director Jen Easterly
As Chief of Workforce Engagement at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) before my retirement, I had the privilege of supporting CISA Director Jen Easterly in her efforts to cultivate a lasting and vibrant culture at the Agency. Leadership at CISA wasn't just about making decisions—it was about shaping cultures, guiding teams, and creating environments where people could thrive. Director Easterly shared 12 core principles for the workforce, offering a roadmap to lead with purpose, empathy, and vision. These principles are timeless and provide valuable lessons for authentic and effective leadership. Here's a summary of those principles:
Core Principles
1. People First
Prioritizing the well-being and growth of individuals on your team is essential. When you focus on people—understanding their needs and supporting their growth—they, in turn, will take care of the mission.
2. Do the Right Thing Always
Integrity is non-negotiable. We often face difficult decisions, and it can be tempting to take shortcuts. However, doing the right thing, even when it’s challenging, builds trust and respect. Your reputation and the lasting impact you leave are the ultimate measures of success.
3. Lead with Empathy
Empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Leading with empathy strengthens team relationships, boosts morale, and makes it easier to navigate challenges together.
4. Seek and Provide Honest Feedback
Feedback is critical for growth. Actively seeking and providing honest feedback fosters accountability and continuous improvement. It encourages a culture of openness where both leaders and team members are committed to learning and evolving.
5. Communicate Transparently & Effectively
Clear communication is essential for success. Open and transparent communication removes ambiguity, helps teams understand their roles, and builds confidence in achieving objectives.
6. Foster Belonging, Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality
A diverse and inclusive workplace isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but a must-have for effective organizations. The current attacks on diversity, inclusion and equality are simply misguided political wedge tools. We should be creating environments where everyone feels they belong, where diversity is celebrated, and where opportunities for growth are equal for all. Leaders who champion these values will inspire loyalty and commitment from their teams and gain from truly surrounding themselves with diversity of thoughts and experiences.
7. Imagine, Anticipate & Innovate to Win
Innovation and foresight are essential in a rapidly changing world. People should always think outside the box, anticipate challenges, and remain prepared for the unexpected. Encouraging innovation and forward-thinking ensures that teams stay ahead of the curve.
8. Make It Count
Every action and decision should be made with purpose. Whether it's a small task or a major project, infuse your work with intention and urgency. Leading with a sense of importance fosters a culture of excellence within your team.
9. Build and Cultivate Your Network
Networking isn't just about building a list of contacts; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships. In times of uncertainty, having a network of allies, mentors, and colleagues provides valuable insights and support.
10. Play Chess, Not Checkers
Focus on strategic thinking. Like a chess player, leaders must think several steps ahead, anticipate challenges, and plan for both immediate and long-term goals. By thinking strategically, you can navigate complex situations with a clear vision.
11. Stand in the Arena
Standing in the arena is perhaps now more important than ever. Professionalism is about taking risks and standing up when things get tough. “Standing in the Arena” means being willing to put yourself out there, to take responsibility for both successes and failures. And most importantly, ask the hard questions that others may be too afraid to ask…question authority.
12. Commit to a Lifetime of Learning
Leadership requires continuous learning. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-reflection, lifelong learning keeps leaders relevant, adaptable, and effective.
The Timeless Nature of Core Principles
After the arrival of a new administration, the question often arises: What happens to the core principles when leadership changes? Will they just cease to exist? While some principles may disappear from the spotlight, the values themselves should be viewed as personal commitments, transcending political shifts.
The Power of Personal Principles
These principles are not tied to political administrations or leadership styles—they are centered around people, integrity, empathy, and growth. They remain constant regardless of who is in charge. When we adhere to these principles, we foster trust, build strong teams, and develop solutions that are universally valuable.
Principles as Personal Commitments
Rather than seeing leadership principles as something external that could be “taken away,” consider them as personal commitments you carry with you. When you internalize these principles, they become part of your leadership DNA, guiding decisions and actions in every environment.
For example, “Lead with Empathy” is not dependent on political officeholders; it’s a value you bring to work every day. “Commit to a Lifetime of Learning” remains essential for professional growth, regardless of leadership transitions.
Embedding Principles into Your Work
Principles aren’t simply guidelines—they are mindsets. When you embody them in your work, you’re not just following rules; you’re making intentional decisions that align with ethical leadership and personal accountability. These values guide your work even in times of transition or uncertainty, empowering you to create meaningful impact.
For instance, “Make It Count” is a reminder to approach every task, big or small, with purpose. Whether in times of stability or transition, this principle underscores the importance of every action.
Consistency and Integrity in Times of Change
During periods of political or leadership change, consistency in how we lead becomes increasingly important. Regardless of the changes at the top, our dedication to integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership shapes the tone of the organization. Acting on these principles consistently builds trust and respect among colleagues, positioning you as a leader who remains grounded in your values.
A Legacy Beyond Administrations
Leadership is about the impact you have and the values you pass on. Principles like empathy, integrity, and transparency aren't just relevant in the short term—they build a legacy that extends beyond any administration. They guide not only your career but also the culture and people you influence.
In the face of political shifts, your principles should remain unchanged. By living these values daily, you create a lasting impact on your organization, transcending the influence of any one leadership change.
What If Others Don’t Share the Same Principles?
When leadership doesn’t reflect the values you hold dear, it can be disheartening. However, there are ways to stay true to your principles even when others may not align with them:
Focus on What You Can Control: While you can’t control the decisions of others, you can control how you live by your principles. By leading with empathy and integrity, you set an example for others to follow.
Influence, Not Control: You may not have power over others’ decisions, but you can influence through your actions. Lead by example, and others will notice. Influence spreads through relationships and a consistent demonstration of your values.
Leadership Is Not Always Top-Down: Leadership can be exercised at every level. Even when those at the top may not embody the same principles, you can still lead from within, making a difference through daily interactions and commitment to values.
Build Alliances: You're not alone in your commitment to ethical leadership. Find others who share your principles and build a coalition. Together, you can create a supportive environment and influence change.
Embrace Resilience: In times of frustration, resilience is essential. Stay true to your principles, and continue to lead with purpose and conviction, even in the face of adversity.
Find Purpose Beyond the Administration: Your work has value beyond the policies of any given administration. Focus on the broader mission and purpose of your work, and you’ll remain grounded through any transition.
Change Is Cyclical: Political landscapes shift, but leadership is cyclical. Stay hopeful that the values you hold dear will eventually find their place again, and your dedication to these principles can play a role in bringing about positive change.
In the end, leadership is about more than titles or political circumstances—it’s about the principles that guide you and the people you inspire along the way. By embracing these core principles, you can lead with purpose and leave a legacy that transcends political shifts, ensuring that the values you hold dear endure across administrations.
In the uncertainty of today’s shifts in our political world, if you are a civil service employee, I suggest staying connected to the following websites:
· www.civilservicestrong.org This is a site with resources for Civil Servants. It represents people, organizations, and communities across the country who are joining together to ensure our civil servants have resources if they are targeted or attacked.
· www.democracy2025.org A 350+ organizations representing millions of people, committed to working more quickly, more strategically, and in greater numbers than ever before to defend our democracy and disrupt far-right attacks on the American people.
· www.democracyforward.org Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education, and regulatory engagement.
