Communications

The Washington Redskins need a name change – and so do these terms

President Obama recently suggested that the Washington Redskins change their name to something less offensive. Owner Dan Snyder responded last week with an impassioned letter that ends “We are Redskins Nation … and we owe it to our fans and coaches and players, past and present, to preserve that heritage.” I imagine this same toneRead… Read more »

3 Potential Outcomes to Fiscal Stalemate: how and when will it end?

According to the so-called “conventional wisdom” in Washington, the current fiscal impasse should end any day now. This is especially true as Thursday’s deadline fast approaches for dodging a disastrous debt default. Moreover, the American people’s anger continues to grow over the government shutdown. But what is considered to be Washington wisdom these days mayRead… Read more »

On the move – Gov Communication Conference Gets Pushed Back

The government shutdown has sucked up all the oxygen surrounding the federal government. It’s impossible to focus on engaging stakeholders and federal communication best practices when hundreds of thousands of feds are furloughed. But communications best practices are essential. When agencies return to full capacity they will need to know the best ways to engageRead… Read more »

Shutdown + Debt Ceiling = Trouble – Plus the DorobekINSIDER’s 7 Stories

On GovLoop Insights’ DorobekINSIDER: We are now on day 14 of the government shutdown and for furloughed feds the financial impact is really starting to sink in. There is still no clear answer on whether or not feds who are furloughed will receive back pay. So for now, furloughed feds have to brace for theRead… Read more »

The Early Bird Gets the Worm, but the Brave Bird Gets… the Fries?!?!

Summary: Using a bird metaphor, this post discusses the importance of taking calculated risks to achieve goals, as well as the costs associated with risk aversion. The lessons offered are both timeless and uniquely relevant to the adoption of social and digital technologies. Additional lessons are welcome. (from the Denovati SMART Blog) This is oneRead… Read more »

How does the game theory apply to the shutdown?

“Some portray it as a Manichean struggle between good and evil. Warren Buffett says it’s “extreme idiocy.” I’d like to recommend another way of looking at the government shutdown and the looming battle over the debt ceiling in Washington. It’s a game, played by flawed-but-not-crazy human beings under confusing circumstances. In other words, it’s anRead… Read more »

#GovShutdown Reader – Day 10: Plus the DorobekINSIDER’s 7 Stories

On GovLoop Insights’ DorobekINSIDER: Something’s gotta give. A new survey finds federal CFOs and their staffs have only enough time, money and know-how to do the basics around financial management. Ouch. So what can they do to ease their burden? Insights from Grant Thorton. GovLoop’s DorobekINSIDER #GovShutdown Reader – Day 10: The Washington Post: HowRead… Read more »

Something’s Gotta Give – Why CFOs Face an Uphill Battle

Something’s gotta give. That’s the theme from the new survey by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) and Grant Thornton on federal CFOs. The survey finds federal CFOs and their staffs have only enough time, money and know-how to do the basics around financial management. The survey included 100 interviews and 180 self-selected responses fromRead… Read more »