Change: It’s the one thing you can count on in government (right after acronyms, budget constraints, and someone hitting “Reply All” on an agencywide email). Whether it’s a new agency director, a program sunset, or a department-wide “reimagination initiative” (translation: nobody’s quite sure yet), leaders who thrive treat change like a GPS rerouting — annoying, sometimes surprising, but ultimately manageable.
Here’s how you can do the same — without rage-quitting, panic-applying to your nephew’s startup, or hiding under your desk with a large cup of coffee.
Why This Matters:
Change is accelerating across public agencies, fueled by AI, digital transformation, and generational workforce turnover. The winners? Leaders who can pivot without losing their sense of purpose, credibility, or optimism. Government work isn’t slowing down. It’s speeding up — and only those who adapt without drama will shape the future.
How to Stay Sane (and Smart) Through Career Change:
Reframe the Narrative
When the announcement hits your inbox, resist the urge to think, “This is a disaster.” Instead, think, “This is a pivot opportunity.” Every career-defining move — every promotion, every exciting project — usually starts with something messy: a failed program, a surprise reorganization, or a leadership shuffle. Resilience doesn’t mean denying frustration. It means rewriting the story in real time.
Pro Tip: Every time you hear “this is just how we’ve always done it,” a fairy loses its wings. Don’t be the reason innovation dies.
Audit Your Skills — Before Someone Else Does
Be honest: Are your skills future-ready? (Spoiler: “Can craft polite emails” may not be enough in a world of AI and automation.) Every six months, run your own skills check:
- What new tools, certifications, or techniques are emerging? Am I aligning with where the agency is headed — not just where it’s been? Upskilling is no longer career insurance. It’s your lifeline.
Get Visible, Not Just Busy — Activity ≠ Progress.
In times of transition, leaders are watching. They notice who:
- Brings solutions, not just spotlights problems
- Volunteers strategically (targeted, meaningful contributions)
- Connects dots across silos to help the organization adapt
If you’re doing brilliant work but staying quiet, you’re a ghost. Make your leadership visible.
Invest in Relationships (They’re Your Parachute)
When big shifts happen, your network — not your resume — will save you. Nurture connections across departments, levels, and agencies. Translation: Don’t just show up for cake at retirements. Build real relationships now, before you need to cash in goodwill later.
Mini Case Study
During a 2022 federal restructuring, a mid-level program manager leveraged her cross-agency relationships to land a promotion before her division was dissolved. Why? Decision-makers across teams already knew her value, not just her title. Visibility + Relationships = Career GPS Upgrade.
Key Takeaways
- Change isn’t the enemy. Stagnation is.
- Upskill early — before you’re forced to.
- Build strong relationships before you need lifelines.
- Stay visible as a builder and solution-finder.
Treat every shift as your next opportunity to grow smarter, stronger, and more valuable.
Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.
Dr. Rhonda Farrell is a transformation advisor with decades of experience driving impactful change and strategic growth for DoD, IC, Joint, and commercial agencies and organizations. She has a robust background in digital transformation, organizational development, and process improvement, offering a unique perspective that combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of business dynamics. As a strategy and innovation leader, she aligns with CIO, CTO, CDO, CISO, and Chief of Staff initiatives to identify strategic gaps, realign missions, and re-engineer organizations. Based in Baltimore and a proud US Marine Corps veteran, she brings a disciplined, resilient, and mission-focused approach to her work, enabling organizations to pivot and innovate successfully.
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