The other day, a coworker and I had a discussion about how it’s nearly impossible to create something completely “original.” As a designer, this should make me want to close my laptop, go grab a bite and call it a day. But alas, if you dig a little deeper, even the most innovative artists’ magnificentRead… Read more »
Last week a pair of public servants published a couple of thought provoking blog posts; it was a conversation I felt I needed to get in on. =========================== Kent, It’s perfectly natural to question the path your on; I do it all the time. I can’t speak to your political views online (you probably shouldn’tRead… Read more »
We are all acutely aware that the US is graduating fewer students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). For example, in 2009, the U.S. graduated 37,994 students with bachelor’s degrees in computer and information science — fewer than 25 years ago. What does that mean for the public sector? With set budgetsRead… Read more »
“Do you have any advice for how I can build those skills?” asked a wonderfully talented and intelligent young man earlier this week. “… relating to people. I’m more of a quiet and independent person. I’m not the life of the party.” I raised my eyebrow and struggled to hold back the surprise I feltRead… Read more »
All too often, the public assumes that government, when going toe-to-toe with the private sector, always loses. Even when we trumpet major successes of government (e.g. moon shot, arpanet), the public snickers and points to the private sector government contractors who supported these initiatives. Now for the ask! Nineteen organizations have been identified as finalistsRead… Read more »
Over the past year or two I’ve been to a couple of unconferences sessions about how people are increasingly measuring different parts of their lives: how far they run, how they sleep, what they eat, etc… As some readers may be aware, these efforts are often referred to as part of the “Quantified Self Movement.”Read… Read more »
Your morning starts with the usual goals for the day: Get project ‘A’ started, move project ‘B’ one step down the road, call Fred about the problem that came up yesterday, and so on. All of these are important goals; important in the sense that they directly relate to your job, and the work thatRead… Read more »
Today I’d like to introduce a new feature to YoungGovManager.com, a guide to dating for your office. You know, to help you manage and stuff. Managing people is hard. But it’s easier if they’re happy, and if you are happy too. Now, this column probably won’t help you turn a non-performer into a high-performer, butRead… Read more »
Last week I posted the first in a series of articles about the many purposes for conducting an informational interview. Most commonly, they are used as a tool to build a network in new organizations and career fields. For those of us entering new jobs and career paths, why not use informational interviews to buildRead… Read more »
Are you an agency PMF coordinator? Current graduate student or recent graduate? Thinking about applying for 2013 PMF? If so, I have a resource for you. I’m excited to announce the new 2013 “Path to PMF” Guide & Website. Created in partnership with the Robertson Foundation for Government, it is designed to help provide informationRead… Read more »