National Training for Federally Employed Women

As we’ve said in earlier GovFem posts, professional women benefit from having a strong network, increased training opportunities, and a forum to discuss their specific career needs. But, in this ever-changing, fast-paced microwave society, it can be challenging to reach these objectives, especially because today’s woman is expected to simultaneously focus on the day-to-day demandsRead… Read more »

Geospatial Data is Different — Yes, and No

After millennia, now most people are drawn to “GPS,” or “Google Maps,” and rely on navigation to drive, to hike, to find a restaurant, to catch fish, and more. Such interest and dependence on geospatial information systems’ data creates a neologism of “a Google Map” or a “GPS Map,” but neither are maps as weRead… Read more »

Join GovLoop’s Government Innovators Virtual Summit — Today!

GovLoop’s 4th Annual Government Innovators Virtual Summit is helping you piece together the government tech puzzle. Join us today, April 22nd, from 10:00AM/7AM PT to 5PM/2PM PT to get real tips to tackle some of government’s biggest challenges. We know turning your data into meaningful information can lead to big changes, but how do you actually make senseRead… Read more »

How Do You Train 28 Million People at Once?

If you’re a teacher, you know that keeping the attention of even one student can be a difficult task. But what about if you have to train a community of over 28 million — and you have to do it virtually? That was the question recently facing the Small Business Administration (SBA). As the agency thatRead… Read more »

How to Revamp Your Next Webinar

Short. Practical. Engaging. How many times have you used these words to describe job training? For some, the answer is very few — or not at all. If that’s you, you’re not alone. We’ve all been subjected to the never-ending webinar or the marathon lecture, whether in school or as working professionals. You may or mayRead… Read more »

A Storyteller’s Creative Process

I’m the Digital Storyteller for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It’s a new position that I’m happy to say I’m really enjoying. I’ve gotten to learn so much about digital platforms, content, and subjects within the Agency. Back in January and February, I wrote and published a series on our blog about Community EmergencyRead… Read more »

11 Ways to Achieve Work-Life Balance

Over the past few years, federal agencies have been encouraged to support programs that promote work-life balance. According to a presidential memo issued last June, “To attract, empower, and retain a talented and productive workforce in the 21st century, the Federal Government must continue to make progress in enabling employees to balance their responsibilities atRead… Read more »

New Policies and Experiments for Gov Learning

Unsurprisingly, a number of learning professionals attended today’s GovLoop event, The Future of Learning in Government. Our closing keynote speaker, Sydney Smith-Heimbrock, PhD and Chief Learning Officer at OPM, started off by giving them high praise. “Learning professionals are my favorite people,” she said. “Why? Because you all live every day doing more with nothing.”Read… Read more »

Challenges in Cooking Ham & Training Govies

Delicious smells permeate the kitchen as a daughter watches her mother cook a Thanksgiving ham. She’s intrigued by her mother’s process, especially as she cuts off both ends of the ham before placing it in the oven. “Why do you cut off both ends before putting the ham in the oven, mom?” the girls asks.Read… Read more »

5 Ways to Get More Out of your Committees

Are you an active participant on a committee or are you waiting to be spoon fed? IE are you contributing to the goal or just creating more work for the person who was assigned to hold the spoon? George, Sally, Henry, Heather, and Mike are all on an employee recognition committee.  Heather works in HRRead… Read more »