Getting It Done: A Guide for Government Executives

Getting It Done (1.63 MB) (or order here) is written for those who have answered the call to public service. We greatly appreciate their willingness to work on the nation's greatest problems. The book focuses on the environment in which you work. Our six "to dos" (Download .pdf) below are necessary to "get it done" in Washington. Please click on a topic and add your illustration, example, or comment based on your own experiences. Anonymous comments are fine.

Six "To Dos"

1. Before Confirmation, Be Careful

2. Learn How Things Work

3. Act Quickly on What Can't Wait

4. Develop a Vision and a Focused Agenda

5. Assemble Your Leadership Team

6. Manage Your Environment

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