As a “seasoned” employee of the Corps of Engineers, I thought I already knew quite a bit about leadership. After almost 25 years, I have been a Project Manager, Program Manager, and had a few stints as a temporary Supervisor, in addition to my usual technical work in environmental compliance. When my mentor suggested IRead… Read more »
“Demands from an increasing transparency movement and an intense, “prove-your-effective” task (and financial) disclosures forced onto non-federal organizations are making right and proper performance reporting vital for the continued existence of any public body, anywhere.”
Having a great idea on paper has never won anyone an award. If you want to move your project forward, and potentially get more money in your budget, it has to move out the idea stage, through the R&D lab, and get into the hands of potential customers. In a couple words, you need to… Read more »
This blog post is an open letter follow-up with seven best practices for agencies acquiring mission enhancing IT solutions such as software, hardware, telecommunications, cybersecurity, cloud, satellite, mobile, and other IT. These tips should help dispel some common myths.
I never thought I would work in an office, let alone in a government one. Since being hired I have occupied a giant gray cubicle with lights so harsh I requested building services unscrew the bulbs. The cubicle walls were so high I couldn’t see over the top without wearing heels. The windows were blockedRead… Read more »
Imagine today is the last day at your current job. You checked out the link at USAJobs and realized the offer letter is real and you have received your promotion job offer letter. It is a great feeling to know that after countless hours of resume writing, editing, and interview practicing that you can reapRead… Read more »
I won’t bury the lede: after five-and-a-half years, I have left the IBM Center for the Business of Government. Starting on Friday, I will be the Social Media Director for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. During this brief interregnum, I have jury duty, which I find very satisfying. One of the reasonsRead… Read more »
This week marks my fourth week on detail to the Office of Personnel Management’s Innovation Lab, commonly known as The Lab at OPM. If you’re not familiar with the Lab, it was created as a space to encourage creative problem solving within the government. Modeled after visits to companies known for creativity and innovation inRead… Read more »
The way you hold yourself projects subtle clues to those around you. Whether or not you’re aware of it, you’re providing ideas about your trustworthiness, openness, and social stature. We all take on certain body language cues depending on how we’re feeling. If you’re feeling confident and in charge, you’ll naturally expand to take upRead… Read more »
Awhile back, Steve Crescenzo came up with the idea of the “C.R.A.P. Awards” to designate worthless employee communication that says nothing, means nothing, and interests no one. (This article is worth a read.) A couple of problems: #1: Getting approval Social media is simple and reductive. Subject matter experts think in complex terms and prefer toRead… Read more »