Tortoise Tactics for IAS officers: Traversing the Terrain with Tenacious Tranquility

Unlocking the age-old wisdom of the tortoise to guide IAS officers on a path of poised perseverance in the labyrinth of bureaucracy.

Slow and steady, wins the race?

Learn from Tortoises

In the complex corridors of Indian bureaucracy, where swift choices smoothly sync with in-depth introspection, a segment of civil servants shared a thoughtful point. After my recent dive into "A Dozen Squirrel-Inspired Lessons for IAS Officers,” several of our more reflective and rooted colleagues felt a stir of unease: emulating the rapid rhythm of squirrels might be a stretch for some¹. Enter the tortoise, presenting a placid pace as opposed to the squirrel's spirited sprint. This shelled sage, measured and unswerving, traverses life with a balance that beckons to many. Embark with us on a journey to uncover ten playful, yet deep lessons from the tortoise, designed distinctly for those seeking subtler steps in the bureaucratic ballet.

1. Turtle’s Tenacity: Slow and Steady, Inch Forward Slowly
In our frantic race against time, the tortoise is emerges as an emblem of contemplation, considering each step, with due deliberation. Aspiring IAS officers, resist the urge to race recklessly. Emulate the tortoise's methodical manner, moving with intention and perseverance. Decisions demand careful reflection, weighing the benefits against potential pitfalls. As they say, "A missed deadline left no one dead.”

2. Neck Nuances: Do Not Stick Your Neck Out
While curiosity did wonders for the cat, catapulting it to “eternal” fame, our tortoise friend teaches us the art of discretion. In the convoluted corridors of bureaucracy, sometimes, it's better to keep your observations to yourself than to expose yourself prematurely. Professional risks are not worth it, especially in a scenario where failure is heavily punished and success is seldom rewarded.

IAS officers of both hues— squirrels as well as tortoises— begin their training from the iconic LBSNAA, Mussoorie. This heritage block is still preserved.

3. Habitat Heroes: Be Amphibious
The duality of a tortoise - terrestrial and aquatic - symbolizes the flexibility a civil servant must have. Whether in the dry deserts of office politics or the deep waters of public expectations, ensure you swim or stroll with the same ease. Some might say, ability to get along with politicians of all hues, whether from the ruling camp or what is now the opposition. Who knows who might win the next election.

4. Armour Advice: Sport Heavy Back-Armour
Oh, the number of times our tortoises have chuckled, watching our kind suffer from unexpected back-stabbings. Emulate their thick shells - develop resilience against negativity, and always be prepared. In the labyrinth of bureaucracy, be wary: the back-stabbing Brutus is often the colleague who reassuringly whispers, "I've got your back covered." In the game of trust, a solid shell could be your best defence.

5. Profile Perfection: Maintain a Low Profile
In a world where everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame, be the tortoise who does his duty silently, efficiently. After all, it’s the silent rivers that run deep. While politicians may thrive in the dazzling glare of media, take solace in your inner achievements. After all, the "lime-light," as its name suggests, can leave a sour aftertaste for a civil servant.

Reckless decisions may come under judicial scrutiny

6. Landscape Lessons: Merge with the Landscape
Our tortoises have an uncanny ability to blend in. Civil servants, too, should seamlessly integrate with the crowd— of the “babus”, that is. Don’t stand out unnecessarily, especially if it puts your mission at risk. No flashy dressing, ladies and gentlemen— not even in your “private” social media posts.

7. Threat Tactics: Appear Non-Threatening
Tortoises are rarely seen as a threat, allowing them to navigate life peacefully. Similarly, adopt a non-confrontational stance. You can still achieve your goals without rattling too many cages. Those who appear to be threatening are the first ones to be neutralized by the establishment.

8. Vegetarian Values: Publicise that You are a Vegetarian
Now, this isn't just dietary advice, but also a metaphorical suggestion. Ensure the public knows you are not a chicken-crunching carnivore and that you are anything but a man-eating, fire-breathing dragon in the office. And, don’t worry— being a vegetarian, by no stretch of imagination, can be construed as being a teetotaller.

North Block, New Delhi. For many, the aim is to get there as soon as they are done with the district posting and then to hang in as long as possible.

9. Creep Considerations: Be a Part of the “Creep” but Don’t be a Creep
Indeed, be a part of the tribe, embed yourself within the '“creep of tortoises”' – a lesser-known, yet apt collective noun. Navigating the bureaucratic maze may sometimes feel akin to a tortoise's leisurely journey. While it's tempting to dart ahead or lag behind, the wisdom lies in staying aligned with the pack. However, while you meander with the majority, remember one cardinal rule: never morph into that undesirable "creep" that everyone shies away from.

10. Galápagos Gravitas: Hint at the Presence of Galápagos Within the Family
Every tortoise is proud of its distant relatives from Galápagos. Similarly, remember the legacy and the weight of your service. Always be conscious of the bigger picture and the grand lineage you are now a part of. Also, an understated advice— as you speak, make subtle references to the heavyweight Galápagos from among senior bureaucrats, whether serving or retired, who are distantly related to you.

Lean from both the tortoise as well as the squirrel: their skills are complementary, not contradictory.

Garner Good Points

In our roles as civil servants, we dance on the tightrope of agility and patience, echoing the dual nature of both the squirrel and the tortoise. At first glance, this juxtaposition may remind one of Blake's 'coexistence of contraries.' However, upon deeper reflection, these qualities emerge not as opposing forces, but as complementary skills to imbibe.

The squirrel, with its bustling energy, teaches us to seize opportunities with both hands, to leap forward with determination, and to store our learnings diligently. The tortoise, on the other hand, epitomizes the virtues of patience, resilience, and the wisdom that comes from steady progression. The bureaucratic landscape is vast and varied, and while some trails may demand the spirited dash of the squirrel, others may benefit from the tortoise's contemplative crawl.

Looking ahead

As stewards of public service, why confine ourselves to one when we can pick the best lessons from both? Embrace the nimbleness of the squirrel, yet never lose the grounded wisdom of the tortoise. For in their harmonious blend, lies the secret to truly effective governance and a successful career.

The appointing authority of every IAS officer is the President of India.

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