Through the internet, introverts have found a safe haven to counter the extraverted hegemony of the workplace. We have guides for how to care for the introverts in your life, a defense of introverted leadership, and remarkable talks and books from introverts like Susan Cain. As an introvert myself, I find some of the mostRead… Read more »
As an engagement practitioner, I find that people are often confused about the distinction between research, communications and public engagement. Of course clearing up this confusion often begins with knowing whether each field is seen by the audience as being distinct and separate or just one big mess of government stuff. And whether there isRead… Read more »
I rejoined the Federal government in 2010 after a 10-year hiatus where I explored opportunities in the private sector. I was lured back into the federal fold by the promise of working on an amazing (and amazingly difficult) project. For the last four years I’ve been working with economists, lawyers, computer scientists, and engineers toRead… Read more »
A week ago the famous Napa region was shaken by a 6.0 scale earthquake resulting in serious damage to buildings, injuries and disruptions in services to a large area. This is something residents in the Bay Area have come to expect and we are all waiting for the next “big one”, overdue in most expertsRead… Read more »
I was sitting in a floor-level seat at the Eagles concert in Los Angeles back in January. Although I was enjoying myself, I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread. I had performance reviews (along with my regular never-ending stack of work) waiting for me back in Fort Worth. I was promoted to my first supervisoryRead… Read more »
Over the course of the next 12 weeks, I will focus on things you can do to eventually land your dream federal job. There is a quote by Maxwell Maltz I love it says, “Visualize this thing that you want. See it, feel it, and believe in it. Make your mental blueprint and then beginRead… Read more »
It’s time again for you to write a contract. Your agency has the opportunity to work with a new consultant or will need a new contract for an on going service. You understand the importance of the service, but you hate the paperwork involved in the contracting process. This sentiment is common for government employeesRead… Read more »
According to Merriam-Webster.com, “perfectionism is defined as viewing something that is anything other than perfect as unacceptable.” While is it acceptable and expected that federal employees meet and exceed expectations, the pursuit of perfectionism can often lead to a stranglehold on one’s ability to achieve basic work-related goals. Let’s be honest, every day we goRead… Read more »
A binder of org charts and history on a federal agency is one way to greet a new person to a job in the public sector. I think my team mentioned the existence of such a hefty introduction when I joined two years ago. I never saw it, but I also didn’t think I neededRead… Read more »
The fiscal year is quickly coming to a close and you know what that means: its Fantasy Football time! There is nothing more American than rooting for your favorite team to win on Sundays… as long they win without the Quarterback throwing any touchdowns because he’s on your friend’s fantasy team and you’re playing thatRead… Read more »