The New Year provides you with a refreshingly clean slate, an opportunity to reset how you’ve been doing things and give yourself and your team a new start. This is a great time to re-think the rituals you and your teams rely upon and to establish some new habits. Start with your weekly team meeting. […]
When we are in the middle of turbulence, we look for the smooth patch of air. That’s exactly what I saw a client do back in 2010 when the organization seemed to be stretching itself to the limits. City of Richland, WA City Manager Cindy Johnson was under pressure to produce a seemingly endless list […]
Holiday gift giving in the public sector workplace can be an awkward and difficult proposition. What’s appropriate? How much should you spend? Is it even appropriate and/or legal to give gifts in a public agency? If you are pondering these questions, consider that the most powerful gifts you can give to your staff may not […]
November is the month for giving thanks—something we should all probably do more often. Personally, I say “thank you” multiple times every day. But to really give thanks—to really be grateful—that’s another thing. Here are a few things I’m thankful for: Organizations that value their employees by being clear about what is expected, by giving […]
Public agencies across the United States are facing a silent threat. Employees are considering their options. Working for a public agency isn’t what it used to be and employees know it. The greatest threat to organizational viability is the loss of talent that has inevitably arrived as the economy offers our best employees other opportunities. […]
Performance management is becoming THE high priority for government entities nation-wide. In fact, a Time Magazine article by Amanda Ripley said, “If we really want more effective governance, we should tie these generous [public sector employee] benefits to meaningful outcomes.” The article goes on to say, “As anyone who works in the private sector knows, […]
When our house was robbed a few years ago, it caused us to re-evaluate how we secured our valuables. Since that fateful day, an alarm system, window locks, and security doors have been put in place to help secure our most valuable possessions. We feel safer, but we know that regardless of the measures we […]
I recently heard a speaker ask, “What do you believe that you wish you didn’t?” It is a question we’re all being forced to consider these days as we go about the important work of redefining public sector employment. The expectations of a guaranteed pension, rich benefits, and a secure job are being replaced with […]
Public agencies across the United States are facing a silent threat. As budget cuts are implemented and benefits are slashed, employees are considering their options. Working for a public agency isn’t what it used to be and employees know it. The greatest threat to organizational viability is the loss of talent that will inevitably come […]
So how’s that annual performance evaluation process working for you? According to new research on the psychology of work from David Rock, the typical numeric ratings, rankings, and formal evaluations, without meaningful feedback, can result in reduced performance. It seems the research now proves that the annual rating exercise may do more harm than good. […]
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