Shifting from neurobiological research on substance use to Federal consulting was not as much of a leap as it may seem. Instead, it was the next step in my career rooted in the same core values. At the heart of both roles are three essential principles that continue to shape my work: innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based problem solving.
Building trust with stakeholders takes a thoughtful, structured approach that prioritizes understanding their needs, expectations, and perspectives. A consistent, repeatable process, founded on proven principles of human-centered design, allows for a tailored approach to better engage and connect with stakeholders and deliver effective solutions through the most effective channels.
Building trust in the Government requires transparency and accountability. In recent years, sociopolitical challenges, technological advancements, and local issues have eroded some public confidence in Government institutions. To address this, Federal agencies can intentionally invest in fostering transparency and demonstrating their commitment to accountability by taking thoughtful and clear actions tied to mission goals.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning technologies have steadily increased in number and capability over the past 10 years. They are much more accessible to Government leaders, staff, and policy makers due to the popular “Large Language Models” such as ChatGPT, Bing, Bard, and others.
According to the Harvard Business Review, the average worker has attended 13.5% more meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many held online. Given the Federal government’s partial shift to remote work when feasible, it is increasingly important to consider how teams can enhance the effectiveness and engagement of online meetings.
The adage of “don’t bring us problems, bring us solutions” no longer works in the complex and ever-changing world of the Government. Problems are not so simple and to solve them, stakeholders involved in problem-solving need to agree on the problem they intend to solve.
At FEMA’s International Assistance System Concept of Operations Tabletop Exercise (IAS CONOPS TTX), multiple government organizations solved a national disaster emergency scenario. This exercise is a prime example of a tool called joint training.
Citizen expectations, digital transformation, new missions and mandates, and budget constraints are just a few of the challenges that Government agencies face so, the need to strategically problem solve happens frequently. Developing effective solutions for the challenges agencies – from tax administration to transportation security to law enforcement – requires a thoughtful and structured approach. These challenges contain myriad independent issues, multiple stakeholders with unique needs and points of view, and (commonly) pre-conceived notions regarding solutions not grounded in fact.
