Yearly Archives: 2013

Don’t Let Detroit Happen to You

Fifty years ago, when someone spoke about the big three, they didn’t think of LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. They weren’t even born. But what did come to mind were GM, Ford and Chrysler. The big three cranked our nearly all the cars sold in America at that time. The 33rd President of the United States,Read… Read more »

What did the shutdown mean for your TSP – Plus Your Weekend Reads!

The 16 day government shutdown had many federal employees wondering what was happening in the Thrift Savings Plan. Would their accounts be affected? Could and should they take out hardship withdrawals to get through the month? Kim Weaver is the Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. The Board runs theRead… Read more »

Employee Engagement

“Supervisors must stop talking as you know everything and must start giving credit and recognizing high performers and encouraging average performers. Most importantly, supervisors need to practice the art of active listening. Listen a lot more and talk a lot less. Show employees your accomplishments from real performance and results and how you share theRead… Read more »

Federal Employee Mindset vs. Federal Entrepreneurial Mindset

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker Things have changed. The recent government shutdown was a prime example. There is no getting around it, federal employees must switch from employee mindset to an entrepreneurial mindset. Federal Employee Mindset vs. Federal Entrepreneurial Mindset Wait until work is assigned vs.Read… Read more »

On patience, judgement and expectations

Originally published at cpsrenewal.ca This year has been incredibly humbling for me. I had surgery, was immobilized for 12 weeks and had to learn to walk, run and play hockey again. My folks are in the middle of a terrible separation. My mother moved into my home and I haven’t spoken to my father inRead… Read more »

How Healthcare.gov Will Not Drive Federal IT Acquisition Reform

Photo by ActiveRain After weeks of reports about the debacle known as healthcare.gov (here and here), the latest news and actions around preventing the next IT boondoggle are now headed in the direction of reforming IT acquisition. Although President Obama got in on the action, I do not expect any significant reforms to take place,Read… Read more »

Cafritz Awards for DC employees: Deadline November 8, 2013

Help us celebrate the best in public service! Nominate yourself or someone you know for The 13th Annual Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Awards for Distinguished DC Government Employees. Established in 2000 and now in its 13th year, the Cafritz Awards program recognizes the extraordinary service and commitment of public servants who – often workingRead… Read more »

Virtual Conferences in Government: 6 Tips and 4 Benefits

In the midst of sequestration cuts and strained budgets, virtual events are emerging as a creative solution for delivering professional training in government at a low cost. Planning and organizing these virtual events and training, however, is a new experience for many agency professionals. Hoping to glean some tips on how to make the transitionRead… Read more »