Administration

LAURA SADIS

Laura Sadis started her political career in 1988 in the Lugano City Council. In 2007 she was elected in the State Council, which she chaired in 2011 and 2012. She's currently Head of the Finance and Economy department.

Rules and Passion in ... Administration

Have To or Want To?

Respect for every citizen and society is a principle I observe in every aspect of my job. Failing to acknowledge or be honest and open with those who trusted and got me here would not involve a fine, but it would mean that I’d failed. Another rule I try to live by is sharing. Having a good idea or finding the perfect solution is not enough to make it work, especially in a job such as mine that includes a strong political element. Sharing an idea among colleagues makes it stronger, and I have even come to appreciate the fact that, finally, it may no longer be just my idea, but everyone’s. That’s when you know it’s going to work. The strong sense of responsibility I feel toward society is what pushes me. I am aware that this may sound ambitious, but providing future generations a better society in terms of fair conditions and better life opportunities than those I had is my ultimate goal. They have to: good and bad, men and women, day and night.. It’s all about balance. On the one hand, if you are too passionate about your job, you may get carried away; passion often makes people irrational. But then rules keep you grounded. On the other hand, if you dispassionately follow rules, you’ll miss the sparkle. These two elements chase and play with each other, constantly finding a new balance. To be a good painter, a good teacher, a good nurse, and also a good Chancellor, you need both. And I love to be blessed by both.•

Good for All

In my job, there are two primary rules I have to follow. The first is a rule of loyalty to the political decisions of the Federal Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the head of the Swiss Mission to the EU. The second key rule is that of privacy. We deal with a lot of confidential information and must carefully protect it in every form of communication. The passion for what I do has two sources, and the first is that in working for the state, I am at its service and at the service of the entire population. I like the feeling of doing something useful for everybody, something that serves the interest of a community rather than of individuals. Then there’s the aspect of working in communication. Without passion, that’s difficult. There’s also the patriotic factor, the love for the country I represent—for the Swiss brand. We’re well aware that we are not selling or defending a product, but ideas and values, as well as the scientific and technological strengths of a country and its people. I believe that in my job there is no conflict between rules and passion. This is because the rules I follow are made for the good of the community—to defend the image of a country and its citizens. In addition, there is something called common sense. If we act purely from passion, things probably won’t go well. But if we act only on reason, the result will be the same. There must be a compromise between the two.•

RAPHAEL SABORIT

Raphael Saborit started his career in Public Administraton as a personal advisor to the Swiss Home Office Minister and then of the Swiss Economy Minister. He's currently Head of Media Relations and Public Affairs at Mission Switzerland to the EU.