Key Takeaways from the (Few) Feds on Instagram

There are far fewer agencies or departments on Instagram than on Facebook or Twitter. And that’s relatively logical if you consider that it is the far more visual platform of the three I’ve looked at so far. But what I love about Instagram is that you don’t have to have amazing pictures (like NASA orRead… Read more »

Why Are You Waiting? 5 Steps to Start Leadership Development Today

The majority of the leadership development opportunities available today focus on senior level career (GS14, 15 and Senior Executive Service) employees. Limited opportunities are available for new supervisors or mid-level employees. However, doesn’t it seem like a bit of an oxymoron to wait until you’re in a leadership role to start developing your leadership abilities? RecognizingRead… Read more »

Civic Innovators Toolbox: System of Systems

Here we go again. Another meeting of circular conversations by subject matter experts, managers, and directors about a problem we are having with a project proposal. These meetings contribute more to global warming due to the amount of hot air being expelled than exhaust from rush hour traffic before a long holiday weekend. I’m notRead… Read more »

What You Need to Know About ‘Ceiling Diplomacy’

Navigating office politics is hard enough. But finding words to express the frustrations you feel about office politic can be even more challenging. The below terms, definitions and usage will help you communicate these frustrations more effectively. Ceiling diplomacy (noun) – Undertaking the act of pretending you are unaware of something that you are veryRead… Read more »

Morning Groove—5 Rituals To Jumpstart Your Day

With the dog days of summer upon us, waking up can be rough. The National Institute of General Medical Science defines circadian rhythms as “physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness in an organism’s environment.” Circadian rhythms are controlled by biological clocks, with a “master clock”Read… Read more »

Whip-Smart Back to School Citizen Engagement Campaigns

Many Americans are really stressed about one thing right now, and that’s back to school. With about 70 million students expected in kindergarten through college in Fall 2015, everyone’s paying attention to back-to-school messages. Now’s the time to talk to your audiences about how your agency can help them during this hectic period. School administrators and teachers are looking forRead… Read more »

The Necessity of Network Modernization: The Technology Behind $7 Billion in Savings

Network modernization is more than a buzzword. It is a real, mission-critical endeavor central to the goals of every federal agency. It is also one that, if left ignored, will have huge ramifications. Federal networks are in need of a major overhaul. Emerging technologies like cloud computing, big data, the Internet of Things, and mobilityRead… Read more »

Got EI? Why Emotional Intelligence Matters at Work

Does it ever feel like some people are just “easy” to get along with at work: the boss that really “gets” you, and goes out of her way to develop you; the colleague you love brainstorming with, or the employee who always anticipates what you need from him, almost before you know yourself?  …While othersRead… Read more »