I developed an understanding of what is required to be an effective government affairs professional. One of his biggest challenges now is helping members of Becton Dickinson's management team focus on public policy issues that affect the company. Most managers concentrate on the financial aspects of their businesses. That's their job. I deal with issues that may take years to resolve.
Political change is an evolutionary process.
Juraschek uses several approaches to energize employees and managers around important issues such as FDA modernization and product liability reform. He has developed a grassroots network of people who are interested in public policy matters that affect the company and the industry. Juraschek mails them informational letters on various topics and encourages them to write to their elected representatives. We encourage our managers and executives to become actively involved with one or more members of Congress or a representative from the state legislature. That enables our people to see how truly dedicated these men and women are, and it gives us an avenue for introducing Becton Dickinson to legislators.