Author Archive
Management
Agencies Really Are Missing an Opportunity by Downplaying Performance Information
Does the federal government keep its promises for improved performance? How would we know? Does anyone really care?
Management
A Quick Take on the President’s Management Priorities
The president's vision has now been filled out in more detail. Here are some thoughts.
Management
Can Biden Deliver Better ‘Customer Experience’ for Americans Than His Predecessors?
He is now the fifth president since Bill Clinton to announce a new customer focus for federal services.
Management
Restoring Trust in Government One Customer at a Time
Improving trust will require more than just improving services to citizens, but it’s a critical start.
Management
There’s a Better Way to Manage Federal Grants, a New Report Shows
Agencies spent $921 billion through grants last year. We know surprisingly little about what that funding has achieved.
Management
Lessons From 30 Years of Government Reform Efforts
There’s much that newcomers to government should learn from the past.
Management
How to Address the Question Every Program Manager Should Answer: Does It Work?
In one of his first actions, President Biden encouraged agency heads to support “evidence-building plans,” more commonly called “learning agendas.” Here’s the back story.
Management
It’s ‘Back to the Future’ to Improve Agency Management Practices
Given the shift in workplace dynamics driven by the pandemic, creating a new bottom-up initiative with a focus on quality management may be what’s needed now.
Management
Disasters Are Inevitable; Government’s Inadequate Response Is Not
New research analyzing the responses of hundreds of local leaders identified common obstacles and proven ways to overcome them.
Management
The Future of Work Post-Pandemic: We’re Not Going Back
Suddenly, the conversation about telework has shifted from “do we have the right technologies in place?” to “do we have the right people policies and training in place?”
Management
Saying ‘Thank You’ Matters
Few people are in government for the money; it’s critical to recognize those who go above and beyond.
Management
Innovation In Government: What the Transition Teams Should Understand
To get things done in the executive branch, it helps to have a solid plan.
Management
Too Many Americans Still Don’t Receive Acceptable Service from Federal Agencies
The government has long struggled with efforts to improve customer service; there are a few positive signs.
Management
Promoting Employee Engagement In a Time of Crisis
A new initiative is needed to create bottom-up demand for improving organizational health and performance.
Management
Empowering HR and Managers: Lessons from the Bush Administration
If job objectives are vague, how will managers be able to assess employee performance, and how will employees know what is expected of them?
Management
Empowering the Federal Workforce to Get Results: An Enduring Problem
The imperative to reimagine how work gets done has a new urgency.
Management
The Mindsets of Innovators in Government
A series of Interviews with high achievers reveals some surprising things about what it takes to get things done in the bureaucracy.
Management
Veterans Benefits Administration May Be Having Its Best Year Ever
Despite having to make operational changes, the agency has exceeded performance targets set before the pandemic.
Management
Many Agencies Aren’t Ready to Manage in a New World
A recent report provides a framework for improving management quality and ensuring better outcomes for federal programs.
