Three Grand Challenges for Government

Submitted by on Tue, 05/05/2020 - 11:01

My position in the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), often called the “congressional watchdog,” affords me with a privileged, and rather sobering, view of the toughest, most complex national concerns. If we, as a nation, want to be best positioned to influence our future, it remains vital that we vigorously and rigorously explore trends and the environmental conditions that will shape government and society.

 

The Evolution of Government Shared Services

Submitted by on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 10:13

“Shared Services” -- cross-agency approaches for delivering mission support services like human resources (HR) and financial management (FM) more effectively and efficiently, remains a key initiative for agencies.  In today’s environment, government programs must shift almost daily in response to unprecedented public health and economic stimulus priorities.  Shared services have become even more imperative as a means of enhancing reliability and outcomes in support operations and enabling agencies to focus on mission priorities.

Weekly Roundup: April 27 – May 1, 2020

Submitted by on Thu, 04/30/2020 - 21:52

John Kamensky

Chief of Staff. What is the role of a chief of staff? When does an organization need one? A great article in the Harvard Business Review.

Enhancing Decision Making with ERM

Submitted by on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 07:36
If today's pandemic has taught us anything, it is that managing risk in the public sector has taken on new significance. It has also underscored that organizations across all sectors must tackle risk and uncertainty in a more systematic and enterprise manner.

Agile Government and Agile Governance: We Need both

Submitted by on Mon, 04/27/2020 - 13:21

The new Agile Government Center (AGC) at the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) is off and running -- building a network of interested stakeholders in government, academia and industry; refining principles for how governments can apply agility in their daily activities; and developing case examples of government programs that demonstrate agile in action.  As we expand this work, a key question has arisen around clarifying the distinction between agil

A Conversation with Author Patrick Lester

Submitted by on Mon, 04/27/2020 - 10:02
Broadcast Date: 
Monday, July 20, 2020 - 09:00
Author: 
Patrick Lester
Audio: 
Audio icon Complete Interview

Weekly Roundup: April 20-April 24, 2020

Submitted by on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 12:03

Michael J. Keegan

Pentagon plans to test all troops for COVID-19. Gen. John Hyten, vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said testing the entire force, including National Guard and Reserves, would take until summertime.

Part 1: The Future of Work Is Suddenly Here: “Distance Work” Is Transforming the Workplace

Submitted by on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 08:28

[Note: This column also appears in Washington Technology. It is the first in a series on how the COVID-19 crisis has changed how government works.]

Preparing for the Next Presidential Transition

Submitted by on Mon, 04/20/2020 - 14:02

Every four years, the U.S. inaugurates a president to lead the country and the U.S. federal government. The transfer of power from one administration to the next marks a significant moment in U.S. history. Many may think the transition begins the day after the election. In reality, it begins much earlier. Leading candidates from both parties begin an informal transition process as early as the Spring of that election year.

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