On Thursday, November 21, SPICE Toastmasters heard from a dynamic speaker — 2013 District 27 Table Topics Winner Clarence Featherson! Our Toastmaster of the Day kicked off this special meeting with the pledge of allegiance, mission statement, word of the day, and inspirational quote. Word of the Day: Cogent – Convincing or believable Inspirational Quote:Read… Read more »
Search Results for: plain language
How mapmakers are saving lives in the Phillippines – Plus the DorobekINSIDER’s 7 Stories
On GovLoop Insights’ DorobekINSIDER: What happens when major projects fail? How do you rebound? Keep your team motivated? Insights from the Partnership for Public Service. But up front: The Atlantic: How Online Mapmakers Are Helping the Red Cross Save Lives in the Philippines Roll Call oped: David Hawkings: Budgetary Tunnel Vision: No Early Light atRead… Read more »
Is Training Airport Security a Dirty Word?
It seems the Transportation Security Administration or TSA does not train its agents in any of the soft training skills. Is “nice” a dirty word? It is a four letter word, but come on! I’m not being insensitive. I know the TSA has had a rough time of it, especially recently when they lost oneRead… Read more »
Vacancy for a Lead Mathematician-Statistician – GS-14 equivalent
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has posted a job opportunity announcement for a Lead Mathematician-Statistician (1501 series), in Washington, DC, at the AP-5 level (equivalent to a GS-14). The announcement closes on Nov. 12. Candidates may use the links below for more information and to apply. Duties and qualifications follow the links. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/354518600Read… Read more »
Does Your Team Suck…Or Are You Just A Bad Leader?
“My people don’t get it. My staff is incompetent. I feel like I’m babysitting instead of doing real work. My team is dysfunctional. I’m sick of my employees bringing me problems instead of solutions.” Ever hear yourself registering these complaints to a confidant, significant other, or friend? I’ve heard these laments from many clients. ThereRead… Read more »
International Jobs in Government: How to Compete for a Position with the USAID Foreign Service
GovLoop, the Robertson Foundation for Government and the Association for Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) recently produced, “Making Global Impact: Guide to International Jobs in Government,” as a resource for prospective public servants. This blog is part of a series that highlights additional opportunities to launch a world-changing government career. View a Copy ofRead… Read more »
AGA’s Citizen Centric Reporting and Government Transparency
I found out about the Association of Government Accountants’ “Citizen Centric Reporting” initiative through the Government Performance Coalition in DC. Evie Barry of AGA runs the Initiative and put together a webinar recently where representatives of Scottsdale AZ and Suffolk VA talked about their experience in developing plain-language reports describing strategic objectives, performance, costs, andRead… Read more »
Half of Government Employees Fear Phishing Attacks
In our recent GovLoop survey, we found that 49% of respondents are most concerned about phishing attacks. Below, I wanted to share a case study from our recent guide, Winning the Cybersecurity Battle, and offer 3 solutions to avoid falling victim to cyber attacks. We’ve all probably received an email that is a phishing attempt.Read… Read more »
Shutdown Update: Senate votes to debate spending
On GovLoop Insights’ DorobekINSIDER: As the days tick by the likelihood of a government shutdown goes up. So what does that mean for you, the government employee? What does it really mean to you in a legal sense? Will you get paid? Are you essential or nonessential? What will happen if the government actually shutsRead… Read more »
What public consultation can look like
I’ve been a bit grumpy lately that use of digital tools to engage the public creatively around policy consultations has stalled. Sure, there’s some good tweeting, and some creative ministerial webchats, but not much that tackles the showstopping barriers of impenetrable language, lengthy response forms and boring or loaded questions. What BIS has done withRead… Read more »