Flexibility. Sounds good. What else reminds us of flexibility? Nimble? Agile? Then why does the word “flexibility” as it relates to work make me cringe? And why are there so many Human Resources professionals touting workplace flexibility? At its very basic level, flexibility sounds good. Employers want to give employees some work-life balance to increaseRead… Read more »
On today’s program for Monday May 21st, 2012 The TSA is up against an almost impossible task — protecting more than 2 million travelers each day — but are they up for the task? We talk to the former TSA administrator Kip Hawley. To get the best talent — you need to match google,Read… Read more »
I came across this gem via Peter Stoyko’s blog; it’s the Valve employee handbook. Before I share my thoughts, here is what Peter had this to say about it: Behold: the employee-orientation manual of the future; except, I hasten to add, this manual is for an extremely successful company from the here and now, theRead… Read more »
On the program today for Thursday May 17, 2012 When times are tough — there is a terrible situation overseas… Egypt, Syria, Haiti — we’re going to talk to the person who helps Americans get out of danger… and she is a SAMMIES finalist. Keeping your morale up as you focus on your careerRead… Read more »
Government trainings are important. They provide valuable skills to government employees so that they can better do their jobs. However, since the GSA conference scandal, it’s been more difficult than ever for federal workers to justify conferences and trainings. Some of these controls are good, but some may be detrimental to the good work governmentRead… Read more »
In line with its mission to ensure the careful use of Federal funds, OMB issued guidance on 5/11/12 to Federal agencies that requires them to make more efficient use of existing government real estate — in effect, “freezing the Federal footprint.” In a roundabout way, this is good news for Telework fans. By requiring agenciesRead… Read more »
Weston Florida is an affluent suburb 25 miles northwest of Miami. When Weston was incorporated in 1996, its residents approved a charter that states the city must use contractors as opposed to city employees to perform traditional government services, unless four out of five councilmembers vote to make an exception. As a Governing article reportsRead… Read more »
This is the third post in our GovLoop May Blog series, exploring how to break down silos in government. Our first post focused on the “trusted leader” and the traits required for leadership across government. Our second post explored collaboration strategies on your team. This week, we’ll look out to the future, and how toRead… Read more »
Have you ever come up with a new idea and someone immediately lists the million things that could potentially go wrong? I think that energy is negative – it’s focused in the wrong direction. It is stifling creativity, conversation and, quite possibly, game-changing solutions. In some government organizations, we hear “that’s how we have alwaysRead… Read more »
When it comes to picking your next job — don’t just factor in pay, benefits and job title. Company culture also makes a big difference. Bill Barnett says, “that’s one element that often gets overlooked in the job hunting process.” Mr. Barnett led the Strategy Practice at McKinsey & Company and has taught career strategyRead… Read more »