Leadership

Developing Managers and Leaders

The distinction between “management” and “leadership” is important, because they serve different roles in an organization — and they require different approaches in how they are developed. The Government Accountability Office has released its updated list of high risk areas across the federal government. It flags for attention the mission-critical skills gap in jobs suchRead… Read more »

Women in Technology: Promoting a Broader Perspective

For many, the notion of women in technology is focused on computer science and the tech industry. Should the definition be so narrow? Do we really want to send the message to girls and young women that aspiring to be coders and tech entrepreneurs is the best (or only) way they can make a professional… Read more »

Another Congressional Impasse

I was a federal employee during the government shutdowns of 1995–96 and 2013 which resulted from conflicts between a Democratic President and Republican-controlled Congress. It is 2015, and here we are again. A federal agency and its employees are being subjected to Congress’ inability to pass a funding bill. Last week, a House bill was re-filed to fund the DepartmentRead… Read more »

The Dunce Cap For Government Agencies

The government, like first-grade classrooms, has a system to draw attention to those who have misbehaved. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has developed a list, issued every two years, that identifies programs that are underperforming and need significant improvement. Chris Mihm, Managing Director of Strategic Issues for the GAO, spoke with Christopher Dorobek for theRead… Read more »

9 Management Lessons From House of Cards’ Frank Underwood

What wicked wonders await us in the next season of the hit series, House of Cards?  If you’ve been binge watching, you know that the main character, Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, is a politician with some violently strong management methods. With Season 3 of House of Cards premiering on Netflix on February 27, 2015, it’sRead… Read more »

Tips to Excel as a Woman in Civic Tech

Women face barriers in nearly every professional setting. However, some sectors of government are more challenging than others, especially when they employ a dominantly male workforce and require skillsets traditionally associated with men. Civic tech is one of those sectors. Jill Melnicki, as a technology consultant in state and local government, offers a unique perspectiveRead… Read more »