Ami Wazlawik

“We all do better when we all do better.” – Paul Wellstone

Great list, Hannah – thanks for sharing.

I certainly hope that government begins making some of the suggested changes. I for one would be much more likely to work for government if I didn’t have to sit in an uncomfortable chair in a stuffy cubicle, listening to the conversations of everyone around me while trying to concentrate and get work done. Granted this isn’t everyone’s experience,…[Read more]

I find that the reply all function can be very useful, particularly when trying to set up meetings, elicit feedback, or share ideas via email – lets everyone know what’s going on at one time instead of having to make separate contacts with people.

In all aspects of life it seems more comfortable to stick with the status quo than to try to implement any sort of change. People don’t like change, particularly if they don’t see any short term benefit from such change, or if the current behavior/policy benefits them in some positive way. I think committees and task forces are a good idea, but…[Read more]

I’m fairly new to the working world, having recently completed graduate education (and done my share of admin/intern work). I’m currently seeking employment as my gig here at GovLoop is up soon, so this post comes at a great time. Thus far in my job search, I’ve been looking for a few things, though they’re not all easily assessed without actually…[Read more]

That’s a great story!I agree with Carol – if the teacher had asked students to list weaknesses, I think the resulting distrust, anger, upset feelings, etc. would have contributed to a very bad classroom environment.Perhaps many performance reviews focus on fixing weaknesses because it’s the more obvious route to better performance. If your…[Read more]

I voted early in DC last week, and was in Virginia to help with GOTV efforts from Saturday morning until yesterday evening. Fast and simple process at the polls, and a great experience talking to folks about the importance of voting.

You make a good point, Mark. So much of what government does IS unglamorous, but the public’s perception of what certain government employees do on a daily basis is often inaccurate. There are those jobs that are outwardly unglamorous, such as the examples listed in the post above, but, as Andy notes in his example, a lot more unglamorous work…[Read more]

Follow up to my post – some good issues in here that haven’t been covered, and great commentary about why these issues are NOT being covered. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/21/sunday-review/candidates-and-the-truth-about-america.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&

I can think of a few topics that have received little or no coverage: Climate change, poverty, racism/discrimination in the legal system, early childhood education

Improve processes, provide information, and expand networks

I didn’t see the entire debate, but she seemed to do well in the portions that I did catch. She was where she needed to be in terms of forceful vs. hands-off, though I found the fact checking a bit odd. It’s a tough job, particularly when you’re dealing with candidates who aren’t very respectful.

I too have been unimpressed by the candidates’ ability to talk/shout over the moderator. I think killing the mic is a good suggestion.

The video is fascinating

Raddatz was hands down better than Lehrer, though I don’t think it was entirely his fault. The candidates involved and other features of the debates made things more difficult for Lehrer, but I still think he could have done better. I think somewhere between forceful and hands-off is the best – probably leaning a little more toward forceful. I’m…[Read more]