Are Career Aspirations Attainable as a Leader in NAPS and the USPS?

Are Career Aspirations Attainable as a Leader in NAPS and the USPS?
By Richard Green
NAPS Eastern Region Vice President

I often have been asked that question; you, too, may be wondering. You are new to the EAS ranks or working diligently, targeting your next promotion, and have signed up as a member of NAPS. We welcome you to the best management representation organization in the United States Postal Service.

As you adjust and acclimate to your new role, you wonder about all the new things you have to learn — the people with and for whom you will be working and the operations for which you will be responsible and the team you will be leading. You also are wondering what your future can look like as far as upward mobility and career progression are concerned.

And the question I know you are asking is, “Can I actually be active in NAPS and be promoted in my postal career?” There are people out there telling you it’s not possible, but, I can assure you that, yes, absolutely, you can be active in NAPS and excel in your postal career!

I am here to assure you that possibilities are available in both aspects of career progression. Senior leaders in NAPS and the USPS are looking for the next generation of leaders to carry both organizations into the future. The skill sets are transferable across both organizations.

In NAPS, we are looking for leaders who can and want to take on increased leadership opportunities to ensure our organization is ready to represent our members in this challenging environment and into the future. And, in the same way, the USPS is looking for leaders to carry out the same level of commitment to ensure the future success of the agency.

I firmly believe that you, as an EAS employee, can rise above all the challenges to whatever you choose to be in your career in both organizations. How do I know this? Let me share the story of someone I met in NAPS many years ago and what his situation is now after many years in the organization. His story is a testament of what your story could be when taking on leadership roles in NAPS and the USPS.

I met this person many years ago when he started his USPS career as a mail handler in 1988. He was promoted to supervisor, Distribution Operations, in the early 1990s. He had details as a manager, Distribution Operations, before accepting a lateral position as a supervisor, Customer Services.

His career progression continued as he was promoted to manager, Customer Services, where he held many positions with increased levels of responsibility. He then was promoted to postmaster, manager, Post Office Operations, then detailed as a manager, Operations Programs Support.

His last position was senior manager, Post Office Operations; then retired in the past few years. The names of mentors and coaches he had along the way are too numerous to list, but you all know who you are and he is grateful for all you poured into him over the years.

This never was all about him, but, rather, the great team of people he had around him. As he left the USPS, he wanted to thank every one of you for your support and all the success he garnered.

In NAPS, he had great leaders who challenged him to be all he could be for the members. He worked in his local branch as an advocate representing members who were dealing with challenges in their careers. This led to an opportunity to be an officer in the local branch.

Later, he was afforded the opportunity to be a state president, which led to even higher levels of leadership. He eventually served as Capitol-Atlantic Area vice president, then Eastern Region vice president.

The one thing he can assure you is that in the same way he had great coaches and mentors during his postal career, he had even more in NAPS. This is a path available to everyone who wishes to have a great career in NAPS and the Postal Service — just as I have!

So, if you recently were promoted and are active in NAPS, don’t let anyone tell you success is not attainable as a member of NAPS and employee of the USPS. There is no doubt in my mind you can be successful in both!

Just remember to lead ready to serve those you are leading. NAPS and the USPS are looking for these type of leaders in the next generation to help navigate the bright future in store for both organizations. The sky’s the limit for you as you help lead NAPS and the USPS into the future!

I look forward to seeing the next generation of success stories in NAPS and the USPS. Let’s go, leaders!

Leading into the future.