Getting It Done: A Guide for Government Executives

Please click on a topic and add your illustration, example, or comment based on your own experiences. Anonymous comments are fine.

  Stay away from your future agency during the confirmation process. ()

  Learn who in Congress affects your agency, how they affect it, and their points of view. ()

  Start to build good relations with the Hill, but don't make commitments too soon. ()

  Limit your endorsement of previous agency positions on issues until you have had time to assess them. ()

  Start to get to know your agency, but avoid the briefing book trap. ()

Manage Your Stakeholders

In addition to our six "to dos," there are also many stakeholder groups you will encounter while in government. Understanding the relationship with each stakeholder will be useful in achieving your goals.

Your Bosses

• The White House by Thurgood Marshall, Jr.


• White House Policy Councils by Paul Weinstein, Jr.


• Office of Management and Budget by Bernard H. Martin


• Congress by John J. Callahan

Your Colleagues

• Interagency Collaborators by David F. Garrison


• Interagency Councils by D. Cameron Findlay


• Office of Personnel Management by Solly Thomas

Your Constituencies

• Citizens by Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer


• Unions by Robert M. Tobias


• State and Local Governments by Robert J. O'Neill and Elizabeth K. Kellar


• Interest Groups and Associations by Stan Soloway

Your Overseers

• Government Accountability Office by Judy England-Joseph


• Inspectors General by Gaston L. Gianni


• Media by Lawrence J. Haas

About the Editors and The Center