Does it take a crisis for government to work right? Last week, I attended a forum sponsored by the American Society for Public Administration that looked at the successes in implementing the Recovery Act and potential lessons for public administration in the future. Little did I realize that the future would come so quickly, withRead… Read more »
There is a greater emphasis on building open solutions for the cloud and in the federal government a greater push towards the Gov Clouds. These isolated clouds provide secure capabilities for workloads and are intended to meet compliance requirements. There is a greater comfort level in moving towards cloud solutions as security concerns have beenRead… Read more »
Stocks went on another wild ride last week as the extreme volatility continued. We did see a capitulation-like sell-off on Wednesday that may have marked a temporary bottom, and on Friday stocks rallied to end the week. Here are the weekly, monthly, and annual TSP fund returns for the week ending October 17: The stockRead… Read more »
Last time, we discussed life in a Rubber Room. It can feel like the dead end at the corridor of a career, a padded cell, a cul-de-sac, or a waiting room where the waiting never ends. But escape from a rubber room is possible. Workers retire, take a job with another governmental or private sector organization,Read… Read more »
Halloween is right around the corner and this is the time of year many of you will be working hard to complete your IDP for FY15. But this is also an opportunity to take stock of where you are in your career and whether or not you’re gaining the experience, expertise and insight you need.Read… Read more »
The Noble Eightfold Path is one of the principal teachings of Buddha and serves as a path to obtain or reach enlightenment. Buddha defined enlightenment as the cessation of suffering and the achievement of self-awakening. From my experience, public service can cause a lot of suffering at times and Buddha’s teachings provide a great toolsetRead… Read more »
This is a a child whose name I don’t know. In North Darfur, greeting the United Nations, a couple of years ago. Looking at her, I hate my spoiled ways. Can’t live without wifi for half an hour. But then I think about the people who are trying to help her. People whose names youRead… Read more »
Every month I eagerly await my subscription to Success Magazine. I love this magazine not only because I get in the mail (I love the Postal Service and not just because I work there), but also because every month it comes with a CD filled with interviews filled with success tips. Success Publisher Darren HardyRead… Read more »
As we approach the 151 anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address[1], certainly one of the most significant orations ever delivered, we do well to remember the closing; the very end of the last of the ten simple and deeply moving sentences that make up the Address. In these few, memorable words, a war-weary Lincoln charges allRead… Read more »
Innovation in government only sounds like an oxymoron to people who haven’t kept up with the work of government employees at all levels. The distinct challenge of nurturing innovative ideas in the public sector made my job description so interesting when I applied. Last month, I celebrated two years as a government contractor and communication lead —Read… Read more »