Trash Worthy Technology
I recently attended a conference on waste to energy in southern California. I was amazed at the amount of municipal employees who could see the writing on the wall with regard to the next generation of technology coming online. The ability to manage the last 10 to...
The Future of Government Work
Walk the halls of government today and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time. You’ll observe hierarchical, siloed organizational structures that date back to the era of black and white television, antiquated IT systems, and service delivery models...
Revisiting JFK’s Call to Public Service 50 Years Later
“Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country” President John F. Kennedy With those words and the creation of programs such as AmeriCorps and the Peace Corp, President Kennedy challenged a generation to enter public service. That...
Beyond Gridlock in Local Government
The facts on the ground Government will continue to be in the vortex of a perfect storm. It must Do far more, with far less Forge ahead in unchartered waters yet maintain stability and constant service Find new ways to seek efficiency, yet maintain a competent...
Give the Gift of Employee Recognition
The holidays are gift-giving time. In the workplace gift-giving doesn’t mean you have to spend money to acknowledge the good works of employees. With reduced budgets and stretched resources, this is the perfect time to give what employees crave most. According to...
How to Pursue a Career in State Law Enforcement
Law enforcement can be an exciting career choice for anyone interested in public safety. State law enforcement officers are tasked with the challenge of enforcing the law, providing patrol, and investigating crimes. This field includes a wide range of career paths...
The Three States of Momentum
There is an intriguing co-existence of frequencies in all organizations that leaders are quite familiar with: That individuals typically are driven by motivation, while organizations (or substantial groups within them) predominantly run on morale. Leaders--and...
What Makes a “Good” Government Leader?
In its 2012 Best Places to Work survey, the Partnership for Public Service found that US federal civil servants are less happy with their jobs than at any time since 2003 (when the organization first started compiling its rankings of the best places to work in the...
Tips for Giving Gifts to That Government Employee On Your List
With the holidays coming up, we’re faced with that age-old question: What gifts should I get for my co-workers, and is it even appropriate to give out gifts at work? And if you work in a government position, you’ve also got to take into account the regulations laid...
Colin Powell and His Perpetual Optimism
A couple of years ago, I had the privilege to attend a significant gathering of regional leaders from across Southern California. The guests included members of Congress, the State legislature, regional and locally-elected officials, and scores of leaders of...
Making Time For Personal Development Planning is No Waste of Time!
When is the last time you set aside time to reflect and plan for your OWN career development? Can’t remember? Been too long? Well, maybe this fun fact from the Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) will give you that needed nudge. According to CLC, the use of Individual...
Employee Retention: Time for a Culture Makeover?
Although the recovery is benefitting many sectors of our economy, organizations find that simply throwing money at high performers turns out to be an ineffective means of retaining top talent. Money rarely ranks at the top of “why I love my job” list. As competition...
Successfully Transitioning From a Military to Civilian Career
In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase of former military leaders flooding the job market. They are either returning from duty or deciding to make a change in careers. If you fall into either of these scenarios, knowing your transitional career title...
A Career as a Politician – UK verses US
If you’re considering a career as a politician then firstly, you’re brave. Secondly, there are many areas of politics in which to practice and for some, the natural progression into politics comes from many different places. Those who have studied law are often seen...
Tips for Using International Experience to Land a Job in Government
Thanks to globalization, it is now possible to experience firsthand the incredible array of cultures, languages, and societies that make up the world. In fact, international experience is not only possible; it is becoming essential. Time spent abroad can teach...
Tackling Resource Allocation Issues in Local Government
Interview panels for higher-level public positions sometimes ask how you would establish priorities for resource allocation. In order to answer this question, you will need to know more than just the textbook answer. Most organizations have goals that provide...
Staying Positive While Searching For That Dream Job
Don’t let the media and the news put you down. No matter how bad they say it is companies are always looking to hire the best available staff. If you have the right skills and passion, there will be a job waiting for right around the corner. You just need to remain...
5 Steps to Find a Mentor
It is in our social DNA to want a mentor. As little kids, our parents mentor us on the basics of life. In school, we are mentored by teachers and coaches who want to impart their wisdom to us. Then, suddenly, we’re thrust out into the world of adulthood, and most of...