We are not the customers of our own services. And even if we think we are, we are still not: we know too much, we cannot stop thinking as provider or designer. Sometimes we are the customers of other people’s services and that holds up a mirror – sometimes a very distorting mirror – toRead… Read more »
At OSCON this year, Jono Bacon, argued that we are entering a era of renaissance in open source community management – that increasingly we don’t just have to share stories but that repeatable, scientific approaches are increasingly available to us. In short, the art of community management is shifting to a science. With an enormousRead… Read more »
Two new reports out this past week focus on tools and techniques for agencies to cope with the new fiscal austerity they face in years ahead. One is by the Partnership for Public Service, the other by the Government Accountability Office. They are both worth reading because they focus on smart ways to make cutsRead… Read more »
Amanda Knox, an American college student who was arrested in Italy while studying abroad for the murder of her roommate in 2009, was finally released yesterday. Even though the case gathered attention around the world because of Secretary Hilary Clinton’s personal involvement, the State Department claims that all Americans incarcerated abroad are priorities in theirRead… Read more »
I understand the education versus training and experience debate, and I agree with the writer who said, “The answer is one that will keep you chasing your tail as you pursue it.” So, why have this discussion. Most of us will not deny that the best employees have both education, training and experience, but whatRead… Read more »
From the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. “Executives who ignited the transformations from good to great did not first figure out where to drive the bus and then get people to take it there. No, the first got the right people on the bus (and the wrong people off the bus) and thenRead… Read more »
A collection of federal workers’ groups has sent letters to Congress, asking members to carefully considercertain aspects of Obama’s deficit reduction plan. The groups represent about 4.6 million Federal employees. “We appreciate the Administration’s call for ‘some sacrifice from all of us,’ ” the letter continues. “However, federal employees are being disproportionately targeted in theRead… Read more »
When faced with a decision, young organizations tend to pick the least worst of two options. A better way is to enforce creating a list of a dozen alternatives. That can be done in a couple of hours. The process creates a better definition of the problem and also of the choices. The last choicesRead… Read more »
On occasion, I am honored to present a three-hour course on decision science as part of a regular seminar for senior feds who are in important jobs. I once heard a comedian remark that absolutely nothing is worth doing for more than two hours, but while the gentleman obviously is not a football fan –Read… Read more »
Banks these days seem to be going wild with new fees for everything. More and more, you can’t do anything without incurring a fee. Walk into a bank? Get a fee. Request an old statement? Get a fee. Close your account? Get a fee. It’s crazy. And the latest fee announcement, the craziest of all,Read… Read more »