BEDLAM BALDERDASH BUREAUCRACY

I often think that when we hope for the most capable, the most skilled, and the most qualified person to fill any job at any level we might literally be wishing on a star.

- By Dinesh Chandrasena

Do you remember when a CV outlining one's experience and qualifications could genuinely place a person in a suitable position? The ability to fulfill the job description was a baseline followed by a track record that hopefully proved the same. That was the entry point into corporate, state, or other professional roles. Those days, however, may be gone forever, much like the saber-toothed tiger.

Welcome to the present. I am not one to dwell in nostalgia nor do I habitually look in the rear-view mirror while moving forward but I cannot help wishing that capability still mattered when jobs were assigned. Today, when applying for positions, one of the key factors is often knowing the right people. Especially in organizations with multi-layered hierarchies, being connected can sometimes guarantee a position no matter how many more qualified or capable candidates are overlooked. Let us begin with public service.