This week’s final April blog post addresses the last and most important of the four fundamentals underpinning an efficient and effective procurement system, sound requirements development. Sound requirements development is vital to delivering best value outcomes for government and the taxpayer. Sound requirements development increases competition and creates the framework for efficient and effective contractorRead… Read more »
Yesterday I attended an event sponsored by NASPAA (The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration) focused on the “new and improved” Pathways Program designed to better infuse new blood into the federal government workforce. While there has been an increased interest in government service, due somewhat to the popularity of The WestRead… Read more »
The SEVEN stories that impact your life for Thursday May 3rd, 2012: The House GOP budget puts avoiding defense cuts above poverty programs. Politico reports, “The House Budget Committee is meeting to put the final touches on the more than $300 billion 10-year package — the opening shot of a fall campaign to preserve defenseRead… Read more »
You may recall the incredible story by Arthur C. Clarke titled “Superiority” (available in the collection: The Collected Stories of Arthur C. Clarke). This short story, written in 1951, is such a great read because it captures some key, apparently enduring qualities of militaries that become seduced by their technological superiority. The result: Even thoughRead… Read more »
The Defense Department Friday released its bi-yearly report entitled “Report on Progress Toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan,” which provides insight as to how well Afghan national security efforts are going. The report offers also covers progress in rule of law, economics, and road conditions. It states that the situation is improving in Afghanistan, thoughRead… Read more »
What is the difference between MPP and MPA? You might be wondering about this and the simple answer is not much. However, depending on the school you attend the MPA can focus on a more qualitative curriculum and the MPP will focus on a more quantitative curriculum. However, it is not uncommon for their toRead… Read more »
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently proposed a new policy that could provide a roadmap to increase telemedicine adoption should it be implemented across the healthcare community. According to an article in InformationWeek, the VA is looking to eliminate copayments for veterans that utilize telemedicine for doctor’s visits. The policy is designed to drive moreRead… Read more »
This is our first post in our May blog series exploring different aspects of siloed government. The focus of this post is trust. Briefly we’ll explore how leaders can move towards being a “Trusted Leader” – someone that people want to work with across government, emulate their leadership style and are excited to meet andRead… Read more »
The upcoming NAGC Communications School will be my fifth in a row to attend and I am looking forward to the 2012 offering with great anticipation. This year’s theme, “Government Communicators-Telling America’s Story”, exemplifies the responsibility and challenge we face each day. As government communicators we must spread the word about the programs and servicesRead… Read more »
Leadership is a skill that takes a lifetime to master. It changes with each environment and with each new group of people. Leadership used during a search and rescue operation or a mass casualty is much different than leadership used in an office setting or in a restaurant. Tactics change. What’s considered positive and negativeRead… Read more »