Lowering the Heat: How to Manage Conflict

Conflict is a normal part of human nature, so it’s not surprising that we find it in the workplace. It’s probably even less surprising that it emerges when applying human-centered design (HCD). Just think about it – human-centered design is a very different way of working for most people. Many find its application uncomfortable inRead… Read more »

No More Shaking the Foundation

Feeling the ground trembling beneath your feet can be an incredibly unnerving and freighting experience. One of the raging natural disasters the world has come to know over the years are earthquakes. Although our research on earthquakes has increased tremendously over the last few decades, we still deal with a lot of destruction and damageRead… Read more »

Join Us: State and Local Innovators Virtual Summit – Today!

State and local governments pioneered cloud adaption and infrastructure efficiencies. They are at the forefront of innovative citizen engagement strategies and workforce overhauls. And you, the public servants in state and local government, do this while facing budget challenges, resource constraints, and the constant threat of a cyberattack. Today, we highlight this good work duringRead… Read more »

The No-Slime Method for Building your Professional Network: Part 1

Looking for a new job, concerned about a potential lay-off, wanting to reconnect with old colleagues, or have an amazing new idea you want to get supporters for? You’ve been told you’re “supposed” to network, but how to do it without coming off like some type of slimy salesperson? Building your professional relationships – often known as networkingRead… Read more »

Budget 101: Managing Risks

Many of us who have no formal training or background in accounting/finance find ourselves overseeing big budgets. As we continue to advance in our careers the size of those budgets continues to grow, along the expectations and LIABILITIES. Brookings Executive Education (BEE) Finance for Non-Financial Managers course addresses some of the potential pitfalls those ofRead… Read more »

How to Work from Home if You’ve Never Done it Before

When the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) urged D.C. federal agencies to let employees work from home during the Pope’s visit from September 22–24, the idea threw many govies into ecstasy. While government will officially be open for business, the OPM is encouraging “workplace flexibility options” like telework or a day off so they don’t add to the expected holy mayhem. Many agenciesRead… Read more »

Awaken the Project Manager Inside You!

Recently, I enrolled in a course entitled “Project Management for the Office Professional” at Graduate School USA. To tell you the truth, I was skeptical. In my mind, project management had nothing to do with my desk job. Isn’t a project manager supposed wear a hard hat at construction sites? I could not have beenRead… Read more »