You Have To Look Beyond The Data

The world is divided into two camps: Those who trumpet the rise of Big Data. Those who want to shoot it dead. Legitimate opinions of course may vary. But in my own personal observation, the more emphatically you pound your fist on the table, the more your opinion is based in fear. Here is a primer on theRead… Read more »

Change Agents, Don’t Be Fooled

“You will always be on the margins because all you have are these idealistic notions that don’t apply.”  That’s the fictional CEO in Amazon’s Enlightened, chewing out whistleblower Amy, played by Laura Dern. “Well if caring about something other than money is dopey, I’m a fuckin’ moron.” Amy started the series as an angry, ruthless career-climber. SheRead… Read more »

Revenge of the Socially Awkward

“Let’s begin the staff meeting, all right?” Everybody rustles to their seats. “How you doing Joe? How was your weekend?” “Good. We caught the football game. What a killer.” I do not like, watch or endorse football and am praying this does not devolve into a discussion. On my left Mary whispers, “Pass me aRead… Read more »

TSP Talk Weekly Wrap Up

Some late selling on Friday and the historically bullish trading day after Thanksgiving turned into a disappointment for the bulls. For the week stocks were up slightly with the I-fund leading the way for the TSP stock funds, and bonds (F-fund) came to life to lead all of the TSP funds with a 0.56% gainRead… Read more »

Say Less – Earn More

“That’s great! Have a good night!” That is me, tiptoeing backwards. Because the other person won’t stop speaking. Sure, there’s a technique for handling this. But unfortunately not one that I ever mastered. “Did you say goodbye? I have a great story about goodbyes.” Oh no. Oh no. “Hang on just a second, I’ll walkRead… Read more »

Next Steps in MoneyBall Government

Hope springs eternal! Two recent reports, a new book, and a newly introduced bill in Congress all contribute to a steady momentum toward evidence-based decision making. The legislation, which is bipartisan and bicameral, could have some momentum in the waning days of a lame duck Congress. It would create a commission to strengthen the useRead… Read more »

Follow The New IP Part II: Adopting Software-Based IT Infrastructure

In our last post we introduced the concept of the New IP – the software-centric, open IT environment designed to support federal tech priorities like mobility and the cloud. Over a series of Federal Insights posts, we are putting together a checklist to help agencies make the shift to the New IP. Demanding open standards from technologyRead… Read more »

Let’s Convert Lessons Observed into Lessons Learned

There’s a strong desire in the Federal Government to not only find innovative technologies – but to find innovative technology companies not presently doing business with the Federal Government. The Administration signaled the desire to find them and agencies, everywhere, are on the hunt. DC echoes with conversations about how to conduct market research toRead… Read more »