I recently attended a session on the Hogan Dark Side assessment. This instrument looks at 11 areas of strength (such as enthusiasm, focus, confidence, etc.) and measures which of these factors will flip into a ‘Dark Side’ characteristic when over-done under pressure. For example, confidence over-done becomes arrogance; enthusiasm becomes volatility, etc. I found the tool itself very useful, and what particularly interested me was the variation in norm group scores across different generations and between the public and private sectors.

There’s not a lot you can do about your age, although, if you’re in a management position, it is worth noting that your reactions to stress and pressure will probably be different to your colleagues in other generations (Gen X, Gen Y or Baby Boomers) – therefore they need to be managed differently.

The career management point I want to make is that there do seem to be some fundamental differences between what makes public sector workers tick compared to those from the private sector. Under pressure (and who isn’t at present?) the two groups react very differently:

Public sector workers become more cautious, detached and dependent; whilst private sector workers veer into displaying arrogance, becoming more manipulative and being dramatic.

These are quite stark differences. It suggests to me that the prevailing culture within the public sector is “Don’t take any risks, batten down the hatches, just follow orders”; whilst in the private sector it’s “Talk yourself out of it, take what you can, go over the top with emotion”. Stereotypical? Perhaps, but the data backs it up (statistics never lie, do they?)

This is a UK sample of over 18,000 – so statistically significant. And for the careerist, perhaps considering a move cross-sector right now, the question has to be ‘Am I cut out for this kind of environment?’

I know there are many parts of the public sector wanting to get more commercial and they are bringing in private sector expertise; and there are plenty of private sector organisations that would benefit from a more cautious approach.

In my experience, though, people who move across sectors expecting that they can single-handedly change things, very quickly succumb to pressure to conform or get spat out. I’m not suggesting you don’t consider a move cross-sector – there are some very exciting opportunities out there when you broaden your horizons – but go in with your eyes open, understanding that you will experience some culture shock, whichever way you move.

The people I know who have successfully made the move have done so on an interim or consultancy basis initially – experimenting with ‘the other side’, and taking the time to find their niche, before committing to it whole-heartedly.

My advice – explore all the options, network with people already operating in the area you are considering moving into and then test it out in some way if it appeals. Recognise that there are fundamental differences in the MO between the public and private sectors and you’ll probably assimilate pretty well.

Have you got experience moving cross-sector? If so, post a comment…