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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Everyone has been on a conference call in their work lives. For many people, they have at least one a week. For others, 2-3 a day. One thing I’ve noticed is that it can be difficult to run a conference call well. There is no training but it is really important. Here are my tipsRead… Read more »
Last week’s revelation that the person behind the leaking of classified NSA information was a young government contractor got me thinking: Should we expect to see more whistleblowing and leaks in the future? And what does this mean for how we manage our people in organizations that handle sensitive information? The individuals behind the theRead… Read more »
Like him or loathe him, many people have strongly held views about former government contractor Edward Snowden, who spilled some of America’s most sensitive national security secrets to the world – including to our enemies. This is evidenced by various national polls, an average of which show a nation somewhat divided about Snowden. Is heRead… Read more »
Did you know that today marks the 238th birthday of the United States Army? Military service to America is one of the most honorable types of federal service – if not the most honorable. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the brave and courageous Army servicemen and women nationwide and around theRead… Read more »
We are experiencing a time of change – big change, fast change – in business, employment, markets, government. No new news here. The nature of a job has changed as well…what do you do each day now? How about this for a model: 20 sits (meetings) per month – to learn, share, sell, or get;Read… Read more »