Management

Holding poor performers accountable can lead to better government

COMMENTARY | The current process for addressing poor performers in government is difficult for managers and confusing for employees.

Management

The government needs to up its game on technology and use of data to better serve the public

COMMENTARY | Despite pockets of progress, the government is still behind the curve when it comes to modern technology and AI, writes one good government observer.

Management

The federal government must make improved customer service a priority

COMMENTARY | A good government requires good customer experience—and that requires serious reform, writes one observer.

Management

The federal government must focus on developing and supporting leaders dedicated to serving the public interest

COMMENTARY | Unlike organizations within the private sector and the military, the executive branch does not have a systematic, deliberate approach to developing and supporting federal leaders, writes one good government advocate.

Management

5 steps for government reform

COMMENTARY | Fixing these systemic issues would maximize the impact of agencies and career civil servants already doing amazing work every day, writes one good government advocate.

News

The National Academy of Public Administration taps new leader

James-Christian B. Blockwood — a senior official at the Partnership for Public Service who has worked in the Government Accountability Office and the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs — will succeed outgoing president and CEO Terry Gerton.

News

NAPA's Terry Gerton to step down

The longest-serving president of the influential public policy group is leaving at the end of the year.

Management

Let's Play: How Games Can Improve Employee Learning

COMMENTARY | Gamification or game-based learning is a great tactic in training employees on the skills and processes they need to know for their current positions and to encourage them to upskill for their next jobs.

Management

Want More Good Ideas from Your Workers? Try Giving Them a Reward – and a Choice

A recent study found that offering workers a choice of what type of reward they would like for offering good suggestions increased the volume of submissions and their creativity too.

Workforce

Respectful Persuasion Is a Relay Race, not a Solo Sprint – 3 Keys to Putting It in Practice

Immanuel Kant’s ideas about respect are still important today, in a world where social media and echo chambers make manipulation easy.

Workforce

Time Of Day May Affect COVID Vaccine Effectiveness

Time of day may be important for how effective the COVID-19 vaccine is. A new study suggests middle of the day may be be best.

Management

Our Accountability System is Broken. Fix It First

The way we hold federal employees accountable for meeting reasonable standards of performance and behavior is badly broken, and it must be fixed before we can talk about additional reforms, argues one former federal leader.

Workforce

The Reopening That Wasn’t: As Government Employees Work From Home, People Find Services Curtailed

Everything from pandemic policies to security concerns is causing agencies to reduce in-person services, including licenses and permits.

Workforce

Job Programs Help Communities During Tight Labor Markets

Katherine S. Newman and Elisabeth S. Jacobs join the podcast to discuss their new book.

Workforce

Public Sector Work Equals High Job Satisfaction

A new workforce survey reveals what employees love about the public sector, and what’s driving them away.

Workforce

Building a Government Leadership Talent Pipeline

The Partnership for Public Service's Michelle Amante joins the podcast to discuss recruiting and retaining the next generation of federal leaders.

Management

The 3 Most Important Themes for Government in 2023

As the world continues to change, leaders should work together to build trust, resilience and security for the people they serve.

Workforce

Are Pensions the Answer to the Public-Sector Worker Shortage?

Research shows that pension benefits overwhelmingly help attract skilled workers, especially millennials.

Workforce

Even Bivalent Updated COVID-19 Boosters Struggle to Prevent Omicron Subvariant Transmission – An Immunologist Discusses Why New Approaches Are Necessary

The new bivalent boosters against COVID-19 have failed to halt omicron infections. However, new technologies are being developed that pave a way forward.