Getting It Done

Those new to government will find a world very different than their previous experience in other sectors. Those returning to government will find a far different government than the one they left. Both will find a large group of stakeholders, including members of the United States Congress, very interested in every action they take. In addition, you will face the challenge of managing large organizations. If cabinet departments were listed in the Fortune 500, they would occupy slots in the top 20.

The goal of this book is to assist political executives, as well as career executives new to their position, in navigating the current political environment and the world of Washington. The waters are likely to be turbulent. If one does successfully succeed in managing in Washington, it will be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Part I contains seven “to-dos” necessary to “get it done” in Washington. Part II consists of 14 chapters, each describing an important stakeholder in the political environment of Washington.

• Watch a video of the book launch and panel discussion with guests: Rich Beutel – Former lead on the acquisition and procurement policy counsel for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Original author and legislative manager for the Federal IT Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA).  Christopher Lu – Deputy Secretary, Department of Labor.  Dave Mader - Controller, OMB and former Assistant Deputy Commissioner, IRS.  Tom Shoop – Vice President and Editor in Chief, Government Executive Media Group.  Kathy Stack – Former Advisor for Evidence-Based Innovation and Deputy Associate Director for Education, Income Maintenance, and Labor, OMB

• Read individual chapters:
  • Before Confirmation, Be Careful
  • Learn How Things Work
  • Act Quickly
  • Develop a Vision and a Focused Agenda
  • Assemble Your Leadership Team
  • Deliver Results
  • Manage Your Environment
  • The White House
  • The White House Policy Councils
  • OMB
  • Congress
  • Cross Agency Collaborators
  • Interagency Councils
  • OPM
  • Citizens
  • Unions
  • State, Local, and Tribal Governments
  • Interest Groups and Associations
  • Government Accountability Office
  • Inspectors General
  • Media