Can Municipal Employees and External Staff Form a Team?

The difference between municipal employees and external staffThe difference between municipal employees and external staff

Municipal employees perform duties that widely contribute to the residents of Sapporo and they may only be appointed after passing a civil service exam. They are regularly transferred between departments with the intention of becoming knowledgeable generalists. Their work therefore follows a common set of rules and is standardized so that anyone can perform them equally. Many of those employees would exclusively work with other municipal employees if they were not assigned to the サイアフ Secretariat. External staff, on the other hand, who are considered outsiders from a municipal employee’s perspective, come from diverse backgrounds and have a mixed level of expertise and experience in fields such as exhibition and event production, coordination, and public relations. Consequently, there is a significant gap in methodology, experience level, and general approach between municipal employees and external staff. Given this dissimilarity between the two, it can be extremely challenging for external staff and municipal employees to achieve mutual understanding through collaboration in organizing the festival. Understanding and respecting the expertise of both parties is a must for this process and takes time to accomplish.Municipal employees perform duties that widely contribute to the residents of Sapporo and they may only be appointed after passing a civil service exam. They are regularly transferred between departments with the intention of becoming knowledgeable generalists. Their work therefore follows a common set of rules and is standardized so that anyone can perform them equally. Many of those employees would exclusively work with other municipal employees if they were not assigned to the SIAF Secretariat. External staff, on the other hand, who are considered outsiders from a municipal employee’s perspective, come from diverse backgrounds and have a mixed level of expertise and experience in fields such as exhibition and event production, coordination, and public relations. Consequently, there is a significant gap in methodology, experience level, and general approach between municipal employees and external staff. Given this dissimilarity between the two, it can be extremely challenging for external staff and municipal employees to achieve mutual understanding through collaboration in organizing the festival. Understanding and respecting the expertise of both parties is a must for this process and takes time to accomplish.

Practical rolesPractical roles

サイアフ has constantly evolved over the years. There were no standardized rules or formats at the time of its inception. We have always been required to create a framework from the ground up, adapting to different circumstances at different times. External staff take on this task, providing their experience in creating something new from scratch. Municipal employees in turn develop the logic and rules to support the festival within the administration. However, this allocation of roles is idealistic and not always easily achieved. Staff who are new to the Secretariat, for instance, may not even be aware of this gap.SIAF has constantly evolved over the years. There were no standardized rules or formats at the time of its inception. We have always been required to create a framework from the ground up, adapting to different circumstances at different times. External staff take on this task, providing their experience in creating something new from scratch. Municipal employees in turn develop the logic and rules to support the festival within the administration. However, this allocation of roles is idealistic and not always easily achieved. Staff who are new to the Secretariat, for instance, may not even be aware of this gap.

A mutual love for SapporoA mutual love for Sapporo

I have witnessed many municipal employees depart the サイアフ Secretariat over the years, but each and every one of them loves Sapporo. They are enthusiastic about having the Director, artists, and related staff enjoy their stay in Sapporo and this is not limited to just the artists this attitude extends towards external staff as well.
The enthusiasm of external staff in generating excitement around the art festival and municipal employees being passionate about showcasing the attractions of Sapporo has resonated with many involved with the art festival, enlivening サイアフ as a whole. This approach seems to have been the most effective way of bridging the gap between municipal employees and external staff.
This hospitality is also vital for uniting the team and has become the Secretariat’s strongest asset.
So, to conclude, can municipal employees and external staff form an efficient team The answer is yes, but it does require an adequate amount of time.I have witnessed many municipal employees depart the SIAF Secretariat over the years, but each and every one of them loves Sapporo. They are enthusiastic about having the Director, artists, and related staff enjoy their stay in Sapporo — and this is not limited to just the artists; this attitude extends towards external staff as well.
The enthusiasm of external staff in generating excitement around the art festival and municipal employees being passionate about showcasing the attractions of Sapporo has resonated with many involved with the art festival, enlivening SIAF as a whole. This approach seems to have been the most effective way of bridging the gap between municipal employees and external staff.
This hospitality is also vital for uniting the team and has become the Secretariat’s strongest asset.
So, to conclude, can municipal employees and external staff form an efficient team? The answer is yes, but it does require an adequate amount of time.