Author Archive
Management
Going to the Moon: Reflections on a Government Success Story 50 Years Later
“The real heroes of Project Apollo were public servants,” says historian Douglas Brinkley.
Management
You Don’t Need Leadership Training to Lead
An interview with retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal on the nature of leadership.
Management
How To Be Successful in the Trump Administration: Four Lessons From Previous Political Appointees
The average wait time between nomination and confirmation is three months—use it wisely.
Management
What the State Department Can Teach Agencies About Preparing New Appointees for the Job
The goal is to set people up for success.
Management
Needed: A New Approach for Onboarding Political Appointees
A new administration promises big changes. It should start with the process for preparing new leaders for success.
Management
Your Guide to a Presidential Appointment in the Next Administration
What you need to know about the approximately 1,100 jobs the next president will fill.
Management
Avoiding a Government of Lawyers and Former Congressional Staffers
The next president must look beyond the usual suspects to put together a truly diverse administration.
FEATURED EBOOKS
Management
Do You Have What It Takes To Be a Political Appointee?
Public service can be a noble calling and a golden opportunity, but there are some downsides.
Management
Thousands of Federal Jobs Are About to Come Open, But You're Probably Not Going to Get One
When the Plum Book is released later this year, it may already be too late for many job seekers in the next administration.
Management
Leon Panetta’s Hard Lessons in Leadership
From the memoirs of Obama administration appointees.
Management
Hillary Clinton's Lessons in Executive Diplomacy
From the memoirs of Obama administration appointees.
Management
What Agency Executives Can Learn From Robert Gates
From the memoirs of Obama administration appointees.
Management
What Agency Executives Can Learn From Timothy Geithner
From the memoirs of Obama administration appointees.
Management
Leadership Lessons: Inez Moore Tenenbaum, Consumer Product Safety Commission
CPSC chief opens lines of communication.
FEATURED EBOOKS
Management
Leadership Lessons: Patrick Gallagher, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Chief of premier science agency warns that the hardest thing about change is not doing it.
Oversight
Leadership Lessons: Joseph Main, Mine Safety and Health Administration
Managing a crisis without disrupting day-to-day operations is a delicate balancing act.
Oversight
Leadership Lessons: Arun Majumdar, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy
Pioneer of new agency places premium on having the right people and the right culture.
Oversight
Leadership Lessons: David Kappos, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Voice of experience guides agency on the path to innovation.
Management
Picking Appointees
Not all political positions are the same, and not just any smart person is right for the job.
Viewpoint