What we can learn from an IAS officer?

I have met three IAS officers till date for different purposes. I observed their work style closely and figured out few things which make them different.

1. Important come, Important in- Being a management graduate I was taught that first come, first in practice is good, which means that the person who has come first should meet you first. But, IAS officers don’t follow this method. They follow important come, important in. This means that the person who has more important work will come first and rest people can follow. 

2. Data-Driven Decisions- IAS officers are more interested in written evidences than anything else. Oral oaths have no place in their work system. They understand the complexity of law and they know that they are accountable for every decision. Hence, written communication is best for their work. They believe less on experts’ advices and more on scientific research papers. 

3.Work in a cool environment- Once I read in a magazine that working in a cool environment makes you more productive than the hot environment but I never took that thing seriously. After, working with 3 IAS officers I realized that findings in that magazine article were right because all IAS officers prefer to work in A.C. rooms. Their rooms are chilled and will give you a pleasant feeling.

4. Sharp Memory- An IAS officer will either remember you by your name or face but they will remember you. They have their own styles of remembering people.  

5. Delegation- IAS officers are very busy. Every day they get at least 500 letters each carrying some complain. It is impossible for one man to know and do everything. Therefore, they allocate the work to the expert of that field and after that they differentiate the outcomes with the desired expectations. Their work is to make others work.

6. Sense of Urgency- IAS officers work fast. If someone comes with a problem they act quickly, they make him or her comfortable and give attention to them. They don’t procrastinate and delay in taking action. Sometimes they will surprise you with their speed. They teach you that a person should not only work hard but also fast.

7. Direct Conversation- In a management college, lots of focus is being made on indirect conversation but when you will meet an IAS he will talk directly. He will ask what's the issue? He will act upon it and game over. He has no place for small talks. He will not even waste time on Hi and Hello!. He talks about work and that's it. He will not twist his words. He's very direct in his approach.