Management

Agencies Really Are Missing an Opportunity by Downplaying Performance Information

Does the federal government keep its promises for improved performance? How would we know? Does anyone really care?

Management

A Quick Take on the President’s Management Priorities

The president's vision has now been filled out in more detail. Here are some thoughts. 

Management

Can Biden Deliver Better ‘Customer Experience’ for Americans Than His Predecessors?

He is now the fifth president since Bill Clinton to announce a new customer focus for federal services.

Management

Restoring Trust in Government One Customer at a Time

Improving trust will require more than just improving services to citizens, but it’s a critical start.

Management

There’s a Better Way to Manage Federal Grants, a New Report Shows

Agencies spent $921 billion through grants last year. We know surprisingly little about what that funding has achieved.

Management

Lessons From 30 Years of Government Reform Efforts

There’s much that newcomers to government should learn from the past.

Management

How to Address the Question Every Program Manager Should Answer: Does It Work?

In one of his first actions, President Biden encouraged agency heads to support “evidence-building plans,” more commonly called “learning agendas.” Here’s the back story.

Management

It’s ‘Back to the Future’ to Improve Agency Management Practices

Given the shift in workplace dynamics driven by the pandemic, creating a new bottom-up initiative with a focus on quality management may be what’s needed now.

Management

Disasters Are Inevitable; Government’s Inadequate Response Is Not

New research analyzing the responses of hundreds of local leaders identified common obstacles and proven ways to overcome them.

Management

The Future of Work Post-Pandemic: We’re Not Going Back

Suddenly, the conversation about telework has shifted from “do we have the right technologies in place?” to “do we have the right people policies and training in place?”

Management

Saying ‘Thank You’ Matters

Few people are in government for the money; it’s critical to recognize those who go above and beyond.

Management

Too Many Americans Still Don’t Receive Acceptable Service from Federal Agencies

The government has long struggled with efforts to improve customer service; there are a few positive signs.

Management

Promoting Employee Engagement In a Time of Crisis

A new initiative is needed to create bottom-up demand for improving organizational health and performance.

Management

Empowering HR and Managers: Lessons from the Bush Administration

If job objectives are vague, how will managers be able to assess employee performance, and how will employees know what is expected of them?

Management

The Mindsets of Innovators in Government

A series of Interviews with high achievers reveals some surprising things about what it takes to get things done in the bureaucracy.

Management

Veterans Benefits Administration May Be Having Its Best Year Ever

Despite having to make operational changes, the agency has exceeded performance targets set before the pandemic.

Management

Many Agencies Aren’t Ready to Manage in a New World

A recent report provides a framework for improving management quality and ensuring better outcomes for federal programs.