Author Archive
Management
What to do Between Nomination and Confirmation: Insights for Political Appointees
Interviews with dozens of previous officeholders offer guidance for handling what can be a very difficult period.
Management
Waiting for a Call From the Biden Team With a Job Offer?
The new administration will be filling thousands of jobs. There’s only one reason to say yes, but many to say no.
Management
While Biden’s Cabinet Is Important, Watch the Sub-Cabinet
The skills and background needed for managerial positions are significantly different than those for policy positions.
Management
Whoever Wins the Election, There Will Be a Transition
A veteran of previous transitions offers program implementation strategies for a new administration—whether that’s Trump’s 2nd term or a Biden presidency.
Management
History Does Repeat Itself: Lessons from the Polio Vaccine
Creating a safe vaccine is one thing; distributing it fairly and effectively is an altogether different challenge.
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.
Featured eBooks
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.
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.
Featured eBooks
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.
Management