One quality that made my old project manager both successful and likable was his ability to bring colleagues together to take a break. As a smoker and a Caribou/Starbucks coffee-drinker, my manager, “Roger,” took a few breaks throughout the day. Of course, I’d often join in, but less so for the smoking breaks. I’m notRead… Read more »
On GovLoop Insights’ DorobekINSIDER: The Administration is pushing for more performance metrics. They launched Performance.gov in June 2011. So how is it going? And why should these metrics matter? Insights from Dennis McDonald. The SEVEN stories that impact your life Less than half of federal employees believe they will be rewarded or promoted for doingRead… Read more »
I think that performance management and performance management systems should be leveraged by organizations to spur higher performing actions and activities as opposed to just using them as sort of a rear view mirror to understand how you did. I think there are probably many ways to do it but I want to talk aRead… Read more »
Right now the federal government is being pummeled by scandals. The IRS is facing the double whammy with its conference spending and its handling of Tea Party tax audits. Meanwhile the NSA is facing a scandal of their own in its secret phone tapping. So how does government improve its reputation and get back inRead… Read more »
I’ve been watching a great TEDx talk by Dave Meslin on citizen engagement, which asks the question – if governments want to be open and engaging, why do they make it so hard for citizens to engage? He raises a very good point, and demonstrates it very clearly in the video (below). This is oneRead… Read more »
The other day at the next marina, there was a 32-foot cabin cruiser attempting to tie up to the dock. The captain was having a difficult time bringing the boat near the dock – very entertaining for the observers in our marina. First, the boat was aiming at the dock on an angle instead beingRead… Read more »
Hundreds of unread emails, regulatory requirements, acquisition holdups, antiquated technology – in the government it seems there is always something to complain about. But that endless cycle of negativity can not only impact your job performance but your life too. Anya Kajich is a Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian for USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.Read… Read more »
Default open data; that was one of the big takeaways from the Digital Government Strategy released last year. But the DGS was a bit murkey on how agencies should implement open data. The White House has formalized that dilemma with the Open Data Directive released in May. Hudson Hollister is the Executive Director for theRead… Read more »
Check out EPA’s new infographic: MSW in the United States. How does your community or office measure up? Are you trying any new innovative approaches to reduce waste and increase recycling?
Effective government evaluations require the identification and engagement of stakeholders When constructing evaluations for the government, the best way to get people on your side is to identify and engage stakeholders. This is especially helpful when your particular government agency holds a negative view of evaluations. Below, I (1) define the stakeholder concept, (2) discussRead… Read more »