Author Archive
Management
What the Careers of Diplomats Can Teach the Rest of Government
Two recent books examine the lives and roles of foreign service officers.
Management
When Government Does Not Work: A Primer
A new book chronicles the Trump administration’s efforts to upend the U.S. immigration system.
Management
The Challenge of Managing Up
What’s interesting about Gen. Jim Mattis’ new book is not his views on leading others, but his discussion of his frustration with bosses above him.
Management
Four Leadership Takeaways from Ash Carter
The former Defense secretary has important advice for both political and career executives.
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.
Featured eBooks
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.
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.
Featured eBooks
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.
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