Miscellaneous

Federal Coach: How to Overcome Bureaucracy so You Can Innovate

I am in a federal office that places a high value on innovation, yet there are so many bureaucratic obstacles to being innovative. Are there any good models you can recommend where federal programs have been both innovative and produced valuable results? -Federal Supervisor (GS-14), Department of Homeland Security I can share plenty of examplesRead… Read more »

Federal Coach: Looking to Grow as a Leader? Then Look to the Past

No time has been more turbulent for leaders than the present. At least that’s what we like to think. Even a superficial review of our nation’s history, however, will show that we’ve encountered plenty of tough times. For developing leaders – often eager to move forward quickly – it’s important to slow down and studyRead… Read more »

What are the Best Cities for Public Transit?

Discovery’s PlanetGreen.com has put together a list of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for public transportation. While there were at least two notable absences from the list – Washington, D.C. and San Francisco – the cities that made the top 10 nevertheless stand out for their commitment to public transit. While no twoRead… Read more »

Do you need additional plain language training? Join Web Manager University for these free events!

Join us for these upcoming WMU classes in October. Oct 18 (1:00pm – 4:00pm ET) Plain Language Basics Join us in this half day seminar where we’ll discuss the Plain Writing Act of 2010, plain language principles, plain language techniques, and give you an opportunity to apply learned plain language techniques in class! Fee: freeRead… Read more »

Cell phones outnumber people in U.S.

According to a survey conducted by the wireless trade association CTIA, the United States now has more cell phones than people. The number of wireless subscriber connections (327.6 million) has surpassed the population (315.5 million) in the United States and its territories, putting the wireless penetration rate at 103.9%. The survey also showed a 111%Read… Read more »

Supervisory No-Nos

Exert from So Now You Are The Boss! Supervisory No-Nos Unforgivable and Sometimes Unlawful Behaviors by Supervisors 1. Treating individuals unequally because of gender, culture, age, educational, religious background, etc. 2. Not keeping a trust with an employee 3. Blowing hot and cold 4. Failure to follow basic policies and procedures and laws 5. LosingRead… Read more »

A very British election

Just a quick post to flag a little site launched last month for a modest and little-known public figure, reported to be the first Briton to give £1bn to charitable causes, and the third longest-serving minister of the New Labour years. Lord Sainsbury of Turville was nominated earlier this year to succeed Prince Phillip asRead… Read more »

Reflecting on the Social Media Forum #DCCSMF

Last Friday was the Social Media Forum#DCCSMF. It was very well attended with over 70 people from across the council and partner organisations. It went very well, a few technical and timing issues but nothing major. Everyone wants more but better next time…so an interesting challenge. Even the Head of our Press Office attended andRead… Read more »