Don’t Just Improve Efficiency: Think Outcomes to Achieve Effectiveness
Several years ago, a senior federal agency client engaged my company to improve the performance of the organization. As he saw it, they were not structured to operate efficiently; they didn’t have...
View ArticleAll About the Dockless Scooter Invasion
Dockless scooters and safety are the talk of the town. Despite the many benefits scooters provide in mobility and alternative transportation many cities were blindsided by their overnight arrival. The...
View ArticleGetting From Good to Great Ideas
At every level, government agencies have scores of hurdles separating their employees from mission success. The list is long – budget constraints, compliance challenges, unengaged workforces and...
View ArticleLearn How 311 Has Inspired Others Outside of Local Government
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” A government leader focusing on improving customer service excites me! In this case, Governor Tom Wolf’s announcement...
View ArticleOperation Clean Sweep in Buffalo — Data-Driven Decisions to Make a Better City
“These clean sweeps have really helped to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods throughout the city.” – Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown The city of Buffalo, New York’s “Operation Clean Sweep”...
View ArticleCities are Cracking Down on the Illegal Dumping Crisis
“Our streets are not dumpsters. Every Angeleno should take pride in how L.A. looks, and each one of us has a responsibility to keep our city clean and safe. We’re adding surveillance and clean-ups, and...
View ArticleFITARA 8.0: 3 Steps to Improve your Data Center Consolidation Score
In a previous blog post, my colleague and I covered the recently published FITARA Scorecard 8.0. More specifically, we highlighted that government agencies have opportunities for significant...
View ArticleAre Government Employees Less Engaged Than Those in Other Sectors?
In the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) report, Engaging the Federal Workforce: How to Do It & Prove It, employee engagement is defined as “the employee’s sense of purpose that is evident in...
View ArticleShowcasing 311 in Canada
“Congratulations @Bandreescu_!” “You’ve made history and made a whole country very proud. #SheTheNorth.” – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau As it mentions in my bio I am a tennis enthusiast....
View ArticleUsing Creative Steps to Repair Potholes
We see potholes every day. We drive around them and complain about these ugly holes in our neighborhood. They cause problems for drivers, motorcycles, bicyclists and now scooters. Potholes are also a...
View ArticleHow the Scotch Whisky Industry Inspires My Work in Government
Was that enough of an attention-getting headline? If not, I’ll also start with a story. In July of this year, I visited 12 whisky distilleries across Scotland. The best part of this trip was my visit...
View ArticleHow to Thrive in a Really Toxic Culture
You can’t. I’m kidding, you might be able to, but it takes some effort. People venture in and out of toxic cultures, many times without realizing. By “toxic,” I hope you realize I am not talking about...
View ArticleThe Beauty in Simplicity
This is not an article about Marie Kondo, although I do support her methods and am thankful for the closure she provides when I get rid of a pair of socks. Then again, this could be about Marie if we...
View ArticleHere Are 10 Reasons Why YOU Should Attend FAST 2020
A trained government workforce is an effective government workforce. That’s why the Federal Acquisition Service Training (FAST) Conference should be on your radar. The conference, which takes place...
View Article7 Ways to Make Social Media Accessible
I recently saw an agency post a photo of a printed flyer to Instagram. Not only was it difficult to read; there was no caption provided to explain what was in the image. While this is a quick way to...
View ArticleThe Critical Role that 911 Emergency Centers Play in Local Government
“After more than 17 years as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, I know firsthand the challenges our public safety dispatchers face, the stress they are put under, and the critical importance of their work. Without...
View Article6 Things to Consider Before Sharing a Meme
I love memes. I use them a lot in my everyday life, but I err on the side of caution when it comes to government social media accounts. A meme is an image or photograph accompanied by a caption that’s...
View ArticleLet’s Learn About Code Enforcement in Local Government
“Many in our profession never hear children say, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a code enforcement officer!’ Most of the population is unaware that this important profession exists. Code enforcement is...
View ArticleSo You Want to Start a Performance Improvement Division?
A performance improvement (PI) division helps governments understand how effective its strategy and operations are. Through regular reviews and monitoring, departments understand what is working well...
View ArticleTop 10 Federal Government Instagram Accounts
Instagram has become the fastest growing social media platform for the general public. But for the public sector, it’s a tool your agency can use to engage with citizens, share information and...
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