Yearly Archives: 2013

Ravens or 49ers? Who has the Analytics Advantage?

It’s Super Bowl Week, meaning that football chit chat will probably dominate the water cooler (and team meetings) more than any other topic. But just because you and your coworkers are talking sports doesn’t mean that you’re escaping the world of analytics. Several sports teams, including baseball, basketball, and football teams, have been using analyticsRead… Read more »

#Idlenomore as an existential threat

Almost three years ago (although I only worked up the nerve to post it two years ago, so sensitive is the topic) I wrote a blog post about First Nations youth, and how I suspected they were going to radically alter Canada’s relationship with First Nations, and likely change the very notion of how peopleRead… Read more »

8 Habits of Effective Government Managers

Over the weekend, I was reading a New York Times piece that highlighted Google’s 8 Habits of Effective Members (aka their Quest to Build a Better Boss). It was a fascinating article that synthesized a lot of research Google’s People team had done, analyzing their own internal data on what makes an effective manager. GovernmentRead… Read more »

The Customer Service Citizens Want

Ontario Canada has implemented a Lean initiative to improve how government services are provided. I recently obtained a copy of a PowerPoint presentation by Art Daniels, which contains some great information about the implementation of Lean in Ontario. Mr. Daniels has over 40 years of experience in leading change initiatives as a Canadian government officialRead… Read more »

How are you reaching your stakeholders?

The federal government, in looking to achieve fiscal efficiencies, has placed significant limitations on the abilities of government agencies to participate in or hold conferences. Read the New York Times and Washington Post articles from 2012 about this activity, and the original Executive Order. Just this week, there was an interview on Federal News RadioRead… Read more »

Let’s crowdsource the Style Manual for government

The Australian Government Style Manual: For Authors, Editors and Printers, 6th Edition image via Wiley Press When I joined the Australian Public Service in 2006, one of the first manuals I was made aware of was the Style Manual: For Authors, Editors and Printers. The Style Manual was the bible for communications professionals and seniorRead… Read more »

Lesson in Longevity

This morning, the Fellows discussed how applications we develop this year could be sustained after our fellowship period is over, as well as the challenges we might face in opening data sources from our partner cities and municipalities. Since our time as fellows is a short 11 months, we must be cognizant of how ourRead… Read more »

Debt Ceiling Extension Paves Way for Budget and Alternative to Sequestration

The House of Representatives passed a bill on January 23rd enabling the federal government to keep borrowing money until May 18th. Senate leaders as well as the White House indicated they would pass the measure. This bill includes a provision withholding pay for Congressional members unless a budget is passed by April 15th. The billRead… Read more »