Federal pay debate Our country is in the middle of a deep recession with public concern about deficit spending and now the spin doctors and pundits think that federal salaries are too high. I’m a GS-11 level public servant, and all pay tables for federal employees are public information, posted at www.OPM.gov. Take my jobRead… Read more »
When asked, most people believe they take 100% responsibility for their lives. Do you? Have you ever blamed someone or something for things that has gone wrong? Have you ever complained about someone or something? If you have/do, you give up responsibility. Recently on Face Book I reconnected with an acquaintance from my youth. AsRead… Read more »
I’ve got to warn you, I am about to do two things I told myself I never would. First, I’m going to start by breaking the cardinal rule of blogging as a public servant: don’t ever talk about the particulars of your workplace. Second, well, let’s just say if I explained it now, it wouldRead… Read more »
The Federal Government fiscal year 2011 budget indicates the intent to hire more federal employees. How many you ask? Over the next few years, the Center for Human Capital Information (who happens to be a member of the Portal for Talent Management in Government) indicates the number to be between 300,000 to 400,000 new federalRead… Read more »
In the last decade, technology has transformed business, media and education. Telecommuting and web conferencing are increasingly common solutions to the problem of expensive travel. New applications like Twitter and Facebook make it easier for people, businesses and brands to connect. Leaving aside the question of paper books, there are few reasons to mourn theRead… Read more »
Gov 2.0 advocates claim that their various projects in social networking and open government will, of course, lead to improved performance from government agencies and more satisfactory citizen engagement. But where is the proof? As Poister, Pitts, and Edwards (2010) conclude from their analysis of the last twenty years of strategic management in the publicRead… Read more »
Will Marshall of Marshall Strategic Marketing has been getting some spectacular results for his clients. We were talking about how that happens and I realized he is doing something I learned about 30 years ago, finding the Creative Solution. It’s difficult to positively define the creative solution. I get irritated when I am looking forRead… Read more »
Yup that’s right. I find, when asked, most people WANT more work – as long as it’s meaningful and purposeful. When possible look for those opportunities. It’s an opportunity to contribute to the team, to learn something new, and to gain an appreciation … and greater understanding perhaps of the bigger picture. When you volunteerRead… Read more »
We are seeing our customers admonished to “do more with less,” “find a way or your replacement will!” and other, similar encouragement. We have gone from downward advice to “form a careful plan” to “I don’t care how…just get it done now!” Heat isn’t generating much light. After a while, firing capable people for failingRead… Read more »
Resources Dynamic technologies for smarter government (08/04/2010) – New report finds Web 2.0 technologies enable better citizen engagement and public service delivery. The four-point plan is outlined to help government officials adapt technologies for their needs. The report suggests: creating a collaborative operating model; rationalizing existing applications; arranging infrastructure to support Web 2.0 systems; andRead… Read more »