Proactive Administration Training Held for Public Servants Both Online and Offline
'Proactive administration' has become a major topic among public servants. While it is possible to handle civil complaints strictly by the book, those who go the extra mile to directly solve issues are rewarded with bonuses, top performance ratings, and even special leave. On February 26, at a workplace training on proactive administration hosted by Yongsan District, the secrets to success were shared.
Heeyoung Park, Mayor of Yongsan District, is introducing a case at the proactive administration workplace training. Provided by Yongsan District Office.
Step 1. First, Look Around You
On this day, Namsik Cho, a dedicated instructor for proactive administration at the Ministry of Personnel Management, took the podium. He is known for pioneering B-grade public relations in Chungju City. Having received the Presidential Award for regulatory innovation just five years into his career, his first piece of advice was surprisingly simple. "Don't overthink it. Proactive administration starts just by paying close attention to your surroundings." Jimin Lee, a staff member in the Senior Welfare Division who attended the training, remarked, "I've realized once again that proactive administration doesn't have to be difficult or complicated; it begins with simply caring about what is around you."
Step 2. Don't Just Say 'That's the Owner's Responsibility'
Heeyoung Park, Mayor of Yongsan District, presented a notable case study. It involved a civil complaint regarding an old facility in the district that had been neglected for years. By the rules, the issue should have ended with, "The owner is responsible for repairs." However, one employee took a proactive approach, found a direct solution, and the outcome was different. That employee was selected as Yongsan District’s top proactive public official and received a reward, top performance rating, and special leave.
Step 3. If Regulations Are the Problem, Change Them
Another example introduced by Instructor Cho took things a step further. In 2022, after witnessing repeated unplanned business applications, a civil servant decided not just to handle the issue within their assigned duties but directly proposed an amendment to the Rural and Fishing Village Maintenance Act. This meant addressing the system itself.
The formula for proactive administration is simple: do not ignore problems when you see them, and be willing to expand your own definition of what your job entails.
On February 12, Yongsan District selected five detailed projects for proactive administration this year through the 2026 1st Proactive Administration Promotion Committee: ▲ Introduction of an integrated pass for district-run youth study rooms ▲ ‘Journey of Lost Trash’ tours of environmental facilities ▲ Installation of IoT-based radar flood warning systems in areas with many semi-basement homes ▲ Operation of a temporary (pop-up) store for Yongsan youth policies ▲ Operation of a mobile artificial intelligence (AI) interpretation service.
To ensure tangible results that residents can feel, Yongsan District plans to include these five projects in this year’s action plan and continue supporting them through the proactive administration system, with semiannual progress reviews.
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