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.

  Learn what your agency's customers want. ()

  Develop an understanding of your agency's programs and how they achieve the outcomes you want. ()

  Learn what stakeholders want and how they affect your programs. ()

  Learn how the media affect your programs. ()

  Get out of your office. ()

  Learn the flash points and opportunities. ()

  Begin to assess your senior career staff, but defer judgment. ()

  Avoid the appearance of unethical behavior. ()

  Learn the politics. ()

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