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Return to Article: OPM, agencies urged to cooperate to speed hiring

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  It is difficult to believe that in 2004 agency chief human resource officers are begging for more guidance from OPM on how to use available hiring flexibilities. For years all of us complained that OPM regulations and requirements were burdensome and the primary cause of hiring failures. I spent the last eight years of my career trying to find creative ways to speed up the hiring process, to better use the new authorities granted to us by OPM, and also attempting to make the entire process easier for our most important customers: applicants. Our agency did have some gratifying successes in identifying, attracting and quickly hiring new talent. Let me make it clear, however, that these successes did not happen because we sat around waiting for OPM direction. Instead, we studied the rules already on the books, interpreted them positively and developed new and creative processes to implement them in conjunction with technological improvements in the staffing arena. In short, we studied the problem, found avenues to act and took calculated risks in the name of progress. If chief human capital officers are looking for more detailed OPM guidance, the problem is not with OPM. Rather, the issue is leadership at the agency level and below, or more specifically, the lack of leadership. Apparently, the accepted behavior pattern for getting anything done is still to seek unanimous decisions in order to insure that no one can be blamed for any failures. Working with people is important, but people also want leadership. After all voices have been heard, some one still needs to make decisions, take responsibility and move out.

  This continual "whining" for more OPM guidance is a sad commentary on the state of Federal HR leadership. It is also a function of the smothering push for centralization and standardization that now pervades the Federal HR community. Now, no one has the ability to think on their own or the courage to act when they know they are right. Well, this is what the Administration and OPM wanted. Now they have it.

  John Wines Posted June 16, 2004 1:20 AM
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  As a contractor trying to become an FTE, I too find the hiring process ridiculously complex. Fear of being unfair ought to be tempered by fear of being so laborious that highly qualified, well-intentioned people just give up. I am personally motivated to work in government, but it's awfully tempting to go elsewhere sometimes.

  GovExec.com reader Posted June 15, 2004 11:14 AM
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  I've been in the federal workforce over 25 years and some things never change. Cronyism, favoritism and nepotism; which are the real merit principles in the Customs Service. Most of us learned years ago, THEY can do what THEY want to do for whoever THEY want to do, if any one of the previously mentioned criteria are the deciding factors. Try to get a even a "desk audit" for additional duties !! THEY just keep wanting more and more but are not willing to pay for it. We're now seeing thousands of long time, dedicated employees retiring with very bitter attitudes. No longer do you greet anyone with "how ya doin?" It's now "how much longer you got?" And now we have "MAX-HR" ! The potential "manna from heaven" for the good ole boy networks !!!

  GovExec.com reader Posted June 15, 2004 6:11 AM
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  There is something not being told on this one. I still think Ms. James is the problem. She talks out of six sides of her mouth, is it any wonder things are messed up?

  Let's hope she retires right along side Mr. Bush.

  GovExec.com reader Posted June 10, 2004 7:03 AM
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  For those of us already employed by the federal gov't, some of us find it somewhat difficult to apply for positions. Since everything became computerized, it seems that each agency has their own "tailored" application form. So, now instead of being able to submit a SF-171, (oops, did I just let the cat out of the bag w/regard to my age!) we have to fill out a separate application for each different agency; even in DOD, each branch of service has their own form.

  And, try to find out some status on filling the position - not always an easy thing to find out.

  Linda A. Hollis Posted June 9, 2004 10:05 AM