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.

  Develop your vision for your agency with input from your political and career staff, but make sure it is your own. ()

  Convey a sense of urgency. ()

  Communicate the vision. ()

  Harness agency plans to your new vision. ()

  Focus on no more than three priorities where you can personally make a difference. ()

  Develop a strategy for your top three priorities in consultation with both political and career staff. ()

  Make sure there is a person accountable for implementing each of your priorities. ()

  Make sure there is an effective governance framework for your top three priorities. ()

  Relentlessly follow up. ()

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