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Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
Business of Government
December 06, 2024
Senators Look to Create AI, Cloud Service Competition at DoD. A bipartisan pair of senators is looking to promote a more competitive playing field for vendors of cloud computing and artificial intelligence technologies looking to sell those services to the Pentagon.
NEW MAGAZINE! profiling the leadership stories of a select group of government executives and highlights the latest trends and best practices for improving the business of government from leading academics and practitioners.
Business of Government
December 02, 2024
Government is a tapestry of diverse missions united by a singular, enduring purpose: serving the public. Whether it’s advancing federal management practices, delivering healthcare to military service members and their families, ensuring operational readiness, improving service to taxpayers, driving digital transformation, or balancing innovation and integration—public service is at the heart of it all.
Leadership Fellow & Host, The Business of Government Hour
Business of Government
November 22, 2024
Michael has two decades of experience with both the private and public sectors encompassing strategic planning, business process redesign, strategic communications and marketing, performance management, change management, executive and team coaching, and risk-financing.
Articles & insights of interest in public management & leadership for the week ending November 8, 2024
Business of Government
November 12, 2024
Five months after launching its experimental AI-powered chatbot NIPRGPT for the Department of the Air Force (DAF), officials from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) are sharing early insights and offering a glimpse into the future of the platform. Alexis Bonnell, AFRL CIO and director of the AFRL Digital Capabilities Directorate explained that in the few months since its deployment there has been a real excitement from users to test it out.
Quantum Technology and Homeland Security
Business of Government
November 04, 2024
This blog summarizes the key insights outlined in Chapter 9, “Quantum Technology Challenge: What Role for the Government?” of our book Transforming the Business of Government: Insights on Resilience, Innovation, and Performance, focusing on their implications and applications for homeland security.
Weekly Roundup: October 21-25, 2024
Business of Government
October 25, 2024
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is utilizing cloud technology on its path to digital transformation to help it follow its internal mantra of “Buy vs. Build,” according to Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Mohammed Sohail Chaudhry. Chaudhry shared why cloud plays such a critical role in FDA’s digital transformation journey, explaining that it creates “an environment of innovation…Digital transformation is all about business transformation for us,” Chaudhry said.
Pursuing IT and Digital Transformation at the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA)
Business of Government
October 24, 2024
Recently, Marcela Escobar-Alava, chief information officer and Betsy Beaumon, chief transformation officer from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) joined me on The Business of Government Hour to discuss the agency's ongoing transformation efforts, how they are working together to shape a new operating mode delivering innovative digital services to the public.
Insights from The Business of Government Hour Interview with Terence Mauri
Business of Government
October 22, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, disruption is the norm rather than the exception. Leaders are increasingly confronted with the challenges and opportunities presented by disruption. In a recent interview for The Business of Government Hour, Terence Mauri, author of The Upside of Disruption: The Path to Leading and Thriving in the Unknown, shared his insights on how leaders can leverage disruption to foster innovation and resilience within their organizations.
Articles & insights of interest in public management & leadership for the week ending October 18, 2024
Business Of Government
October 18, 2024
The Department of Defense (DoD) is grappling with escalating challenges that require innovative solutions, yet ongoing reliance on continuing resolutions (CR) for short-term funding and Congress’ failure to deliver timely budgets are hindering progress, according to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.
Weekly Roundup: September 23-27 2024
Business of Government
September 27, 2024
The Department of Defense (DoD) is making progress in reducing costs related to improper payments through its Advana centralized data and analytics platform, but the agency continues to struggle with some of its financial IT systems.
Weekly Roundup: September 16-20, 2024
business of government
September 25, 2024
ederal agency grades were up sharply and nearly across the board on the latest edition of the FITARA Scorecard issued today by Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., who is ranking member of the House Cybersecurity, IT, and Government Innovation Subcommittee and who compiles the scorecard with substantial input from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Articles & insights of interest in public management & leadership for the week ending September 13, 2024
Business Of Government
September 13, 2024
The commissioner said that without a budget anomaly to boost funding at the agency, the Social Security Administration would need to institute a hiring freeze and would see its workforce fall to a 50-year low.
From the Gridiron to Government: How Tom Brady's Leadership Insights Can Transform Government Teams
business of government
August 28, 2024
NFL great Tom Brady and Nitin Nohria of the Harvard Business School have collaborated on a compelling and timely article, for the September-October 2024 Harvard Business Review, which focuses on the often-overlooked aspect of leadership: the importance of teamwork and how great leaders bring out the best in their teams. “When our society talks about success, we tend to focus on individual success. We obsess about who is the “greatest of all time,” who is most responsible for a win, or what players or coaches a team might add next season to become even better. What can get lost in this way of thinking is that leaders don’t accomplish anything by themselves,” explains Brady and Nohria.
Weekly Roundup: August 12-16, 2024
Business Of Government
August 16, 2024
The Commerce Department announced today it has signed another blockbuster funding deal under the CHIPS and Science Act for up to $1.6 billion in proposed direct funding for Texas Instruments (TI) to expand its production of semiconductors
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Data: Insights from Cristina Alaimo
Businessof Government
August 13, 2024
This essay synthesizes the key insights from the interview, highlighting the central themes and critical takeaways that illuminate the complex and dynamic nature of data in contemporary times.
Leadership Insights from "Cracking Complexity" and "Ruthless Consistency" with Reflections from The Business of Government Hour Interviews
Business Of Government
July 31, 2024
This essay explores the key leadership insights from these two books and integrates perspectives from the interviews with the authors on The Business of Government Hour
Driving Digital Transformation: Insights from Alexis Bonnell
Business of Government
July 31, 2024
This essay delves into the main themes discussed during the interview, including her strategic IT vision, the significance of understanding the relationship with knowledge, the concept of digital transformation, the five deadly sins of digital transformation, and the role of emerging technologies
Skills-based hiring smashes through “paper ceiling”
Business Of Government
July 25, 2024
Historically, state and local governments have been prescriptive in their job descriptions, requiring a pre-set level of education, professional experience and even specific skills in various pieces of software.
AI Literacy: A Prerequisite for the Future of AI and Automation in Homeland Security
Business Of Government
July 25, 2024
This essay is adapted from Chapter 7, AI Literacy: A Prerequisite for the Future of AI and Automation in Government, in Transforming the Business of Government: Insights on Resilience, Innovation, and Performance.
Leadership Insights from "Governing Fables: Learning from Public Sector Narratives" by Sandford Borins
business of government
July 16, 2024
As part of my “The Art of Leadership” series, this contribution identifies 9 key leadership lessons drawn from Borins' analysis of public sector narratives.
Leadership Insights from "The Leaders We Need and What Makes Us Follow"
LinkedIn
June 25, 2024
In The Leaders We Need and What Makes Us Follow, Michael Maccoby and Tim Scudder present a compelling analysis into the dynamics of leadership and followership in contemporary society, arguing that effective leadership is not just about personal qualities, but also about understanding the needs and motivations of followers.
A Path to Effective Leadership: Insights from John Kotter and Warren Bennis
LinkedIn
June 10, 2024
Leadership is a multifaceted concept that has been explored from numerous angles. Sometimes it is a good idea to revisit insights offered not so long ago that may in fact help chart a path forward today. As the sayings go: “what’s old is new again” and “there are no real new ideas just new contexts”
Exploring Digital Transformation at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
IBM Center for The Business of Government
May 15, 2024
Recently, Andrea Fletcher, chief digital strategy officer at CMS, joined me on The Business of Government Hour to discuss the intricate landscape of digital transformation and delve into the innovative strategies and initiatives driving digital transformation across CMS, offering key insights into the future of healthcare service delivery. Here are some highlights of our conversation.
Tags: Digital Transformation, HealthTech, Innovation
Exploring Digital Transformation at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
IBM Center for The Business of Government
May 15, 2024
Andrea Fletcher serves as the Chief Digital Strategy Officer and Director of the Digital Service at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). She explains that her office was established to address the need for talent and expertise in a variety of skills to tackle complex problems at the intersection of technology, innovation, and service design and delivery. The CMS digital transformation strategy focuses on improving the user experience and delivering better digital services to its beneficiaries.
Leadership Lessons from Aaron Wildavsky: Embracing Complexity, Adaptability, and Critical Thinking
LinkedIn
May 13, 2024
Aaron Wildavsky, a renowned political scientist and policy analyst, has left a lasting impact on leadership studies through his extensive research and writings. While Wildavsky's work, particularly the influential book Speaking Truth to Power: The Art and Craft of Policy Analysis, explores the complexities of policy analysis, it also provides invaluable insights into leadership
Transforming the Business of Government: Insights on Resiliency, Innovation, and Performance
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
December 08, 2023
Governments face increasingly serious, seemingly intractable management challenges. This book brings together scholars, thought leaders, and government executives to address the future of government operations, and provide government leaders with practical, actionable insights on how best to manage and lead through uncertain and disruptive times
Exploring the Application and Use of Extended Reality: A Conversation with Annie Eaton author of THE EXTENDED REALITY BLUEPRINT
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June 17, 2024
What is Extended Reality? How does it encompass Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality? How is the public sector and government services leveraging AR/VR technology? What does the future hold for Extended Reality? Join host Michael Keegan on a Special Conversation with Authors Edition as he explores
Harnessing Technology & Charting the Future of Weapons, Systems, and Platforms: A Conversation with VADM Frank Morley, Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy
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June 10, 2024
What is the U.S. Department of the Navy doing to field weapons, systems, and platforms that give it a technological edge over adversaries? How has the Navy’s acquisition strategy evolved in recent years to better meet the needs of modern warfare and technological advancements? What is the U.S.
Exploring Artificial Intelligence within the Military and Defense Context: Reflections on SPADE 2024
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June 03, 2024
What is the current state of AI in Defense. What role does industry play in maturing its application and deployment? How can AI power Decision Advantage for the U.S. and its Allies? What can we learn from the SPADE Defense Conference 2024? Join host Michael J Keegan for a Special Edition of The Busi
EXPERTS IN GOVERNMENT: A Conversation with Prof. Don Kettl.
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May 27, 2024
How do we balance the age-old battles between expertise and accountability in government? What is the role of experts in governance? Why have the challenges of bureaucratic capacity and control become far greater in the twenty-first century? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions an
Powering Decision Advantage: A Conversation with Ramesh Menon, Chief Technology Officer & Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
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May 20, 2024
What is the technology strategy for the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency? How is it leveraging emerging technologies like AI and GenAI to meet its mission? What technology advances DIA’s decision advantage? Join host Michael J. Keegan as he explores these questions and more with Ramesh Menon, chie
Executing the Digital Strategy for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): A Conversation with Andrea Fletcher, Chief Digital Strategy Officer at CMS
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May 13, 2024
What is the digital strategy for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services? How does CMS use of Open Source software across the its enterprise? What does the future hold digital transformation at CMS? Join host Michael J. Keegan as he explores these questions and more with Andrea Fletcher, Ch
Enhancing Information Technology at the International Trade Administration (ITA): A Conversation with Gerald Caron, CIO at ITA
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May 06, 2024
What is the IT strategy for the International Trade Administration (ITA)? How is ITA modernizing and securing its technology infrastructure? What does the future hold for IT at the International Trade Administration? Join host Michael J Keegan as he explores these questions and more with guest Geral
Accelerating Tech Procurement in DOD: A Conversation with Bonnie Evangelista, Acting Deputy Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer for Acquisition
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April 29, 2024
What is the mission of the DoD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office? What is the Tradewinds Marketplace? How do Tradewinds acquisitions differ from traditional acquisitions? What does the future for the Tradewinds Marketplace at DOD? Join host Michael J Keegan as he explores these qu
Special Edition of The Business of Government Hour – Insights on Leadership, Mindset, and Thriving on Disruption
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April 22, 2024
How can the U.S. federal government rebuild its digital capabilities and truly transform how government does business? What is the difference between learning while doing and learning by doing? How can government agencies become more adaptive and thrive on disruption. Join host Michael Keegan as he
Putting Veterans First: Exploring the VA’s Customer Experience Strategy with John Boerstler, Chief Veterans Experience Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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April 15, 2024
What is the customer experience (CX) strategy for the US Department of Veterans Affairs? How has VA increased its Trust Index? What is the VA doing to enhance its employee experience? Join host Michael J. Keegan as he explores these questions and more with John Boerstler Chief Veterans Experience Of
Leading through Uncertain Times with Dr. Jeff Karp, author of LIT – Life Ignition Tools: Use Nature’s Playbook to Energize Your Brain, Spark Ideas, and Ignite Action
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April 08, 2024
How can government leaders learn, connect, adapt, and draw energy from their experiences? What role does intention play in being a successful leader? How can Life Ignition Tools help leaders be more effective? Join host Michael Keegan on This Special Edition of The Business of Government Hour –
Driving Digital Transformation: A Conversation with Jason Bonci, Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Department of the Air Force
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April 01, 2024
What is the technology strategy for the U.S. Department of the Air Force? How is the U.S. Air Force leveraging emerging technology to transform how it does IT? What are the U.S. Department of the Air Force’s Zero Trust and ICAM Strategies? Michael J. Keegan explores these questions and more with J
Becoming a Growth Leader: A Conversation with Scott Edinger, author, The Growth Leader
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March 25, 2024
How can government leaders enhance the customer experience in the agencies they lead? What insights can government leaders learn from the private sector on how to improve CX (customer experience)? What is the difference between managing tasks versus leading for results? Join host Michael Keegan as h
Exploring Homeland Security’s Procurement Strategy: A Conversation with Paul Courtney, Chief Procurement Officer, DHS
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March 18, 2024
Paul Courtney is the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He is equipped with a deeply rooted experience in contracting, giving him unique perspectives on the policies, regulations, and standards in procurement and contracting. Along with his accelerati
Ensuring a World-Class IT Experience for DoD Leadership: A Conversation with Danielle Metz, Director, Information Management & Technology Director and CIO, Office of the Secretary of Defense
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March 11, 2024
How does technology form the connective tissue that ties the missions of the Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) together? How is the IM&T directorate maximizing the use of technology to support OSD? What does the future hold for OSD’s IT Enterprise? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores th
Exploring Government-Venture Arrangements: A Conversation with Arun Gupta, co-author, VENTURE MEETS MISSION: Aligning People, Purpose, and Profit to Innovate and Transform Society
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March 04, 2024
What are the characteristics of an entrepreneurial mindset? How can government and entrepreneurial ventures work together to address significant challenges facing us today? What does a thriving “venture meets mission” ecosystem look like and what is the future of government-venture arrangements?
Defining a New Reality in Healthcare: A Conversation with Dr. Anne Bailey, Executive Director, VHA Strategic Initiatives Lab
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February 26, 2024
What is the mission of the Strategic Initiatives Lab (Strat Lab) at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)? How is it using virtual reality and other immersive technologies to change how the department serves veterans? What does the future hold for the VHA’s Strat Lab? Join host Michael Keegan a
Transforming the Business of Government: Insights on Resiliency, Innovation, and Performance
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February 19, 2024
How can we find value in the unexpected? What can we do to be more resilient? How can we leverage innovation to improve government performance? Join Michael Keegan on a Special Edition of The Business of Government Hour as he explores these questions and more celebrating the 25th anniversary of the
Turning the Power of Mindset into Action: Drive Learning & High Performance With a Growth Mindset Culture
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February 12, 2024
What is the performance paradox? What is the difference between learning while doing and learning by doing? How can overcoming the performance paradox make government executives more effective? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions and more with Eduardo Briceno, author of the new b
Reforming the National Flood Insurance Program: A Conversation with Jeff Jackson, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Federal Insurance — FEMA
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February 05, 2024
Jeff Jackson has served as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Federal Insurance Directorate within Resilience since 2020. In this role, Jeff leads flood insurance operations for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at FEMA. The NFIP currently has approximately 4.7 million policyh
EXPERTS IN GOVERNMENT: A Conversation with Prof. Don Kettl.
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January 29, 2024
How do we balance the age-old battles between expertise and accountability in government? What is the role of experts in governance? Why have the challenges of bureaucratic capacity and control become far greater in the twenty-first century? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions an
Transforming the Taxpayer Experience: A Conversation with Karen Howard, Executive Director, Office of Online Services, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
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January 22, 2024
What is the mission of the Office of Online Services at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)? What is the IRS doing to advance its digital services and enhance customer experience? How is the IRS leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to meet mission? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores the
Finding Value in the Unexpected: A Conversation with Margaret Heffernan
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January 15, 2024
Why are most humans uncomfortable with uncertainty and prediction addition? Does technological progress make predicting the future easier? If we can’t predict the future, how can we prepare for it? Why are the human gifts of curiosity and creativity more powerful tools to preparing for the future
Leveraging Technology to Transform GEOINT: A Conversation with Chris Johnson, Acting Chief Technology Officer, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA)
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January 08, 2024
What is the mission of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency’s CIO-T directorate? How is NGA maximizing the use of technology to meet its mission? What are the technology priorities for NGA? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions and more with Chris Johnson, Acting Chief Tec
Special Edition of The Business of Government Hour – Insights on Leadership, Mindset, and Thriving on Disruption
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January 01, 2024
How can the U.S. federal government rebuild its digital capabilities and truly transform how government does business? What is the difference between learning while doing and learning by doing? How can government agencies become more adaptive and thrive on disruption. Join host Michael Keegan as he
Transforming the Business of Government: Insights on Resiliency, Innovation, & Performance NEW BOOK
IBM Center for the Business of Government
December 07, 2023
"If the 21st century has provided any lessons so far, it is the power of the unexpected. What has been starkly revealed is how systems in place to meet anticipated problems failed when the unanticipated happened. Given this new reality, now more than ever government leaders need practical, actionable insights on how best to manage and lead through uncertain and disruptive periods.That’s why the IBM Center has published, Transforming the Business of Government: Insights on Resiliency, Innovation, and Performance."
Leadership Lessons from David Mamet's "True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor"
Thinkers360
May 16, 2024
True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor by David Mamet, the award-winning director, playwright, filmmaker, and author, is a bold and insightful book that challenges conventional wisdom in the acting world. While it’s a guide for actors, the book offers profound lessons that can be applied to leadership in various contexts. For Mamet acting isn’t simply about pretending; it is at its core – an act of truth-telling much like leadership.
This blog post explores these leadership lessons and how they can be used to foster a better understanding of leading people and teams. In many of the italicized quotes shared in this piece one can easily replace the word actor with leader and find real insight good leaders can apply.
Simplicity is Key
Mamet’s philosophy in "True and False" centers around simplicity and focus. He advocates for a straightforward approach to acting, without overcomplicating or overthinking the process.
“The actor is onstage to communicate the play to the audience. That is the beginning and the end of the actor’s job. They don’t need to “become” the character. There is no character. There are only lines on a page. There are lines of dialogue meant to be said by the actor. When they say them simply, in an attempt to achieve an object more or less like that suggested by the author, the audience sees an illusion of a character upon a stage.”
Leaders can apply this lesson by simplifying processes and communication within their organizations. Overly complex procedures and jargon can confuse team members, leading to inefficiency and miscommunication. By simplifying and focusing on the essentials, leaders can ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the goals and objectives. By cutting through complexity and staying grounded in basic principles, leaders can guide their teams more effectively.
Trust Your Instincts
Mamet encourages actors to trust their instincts rather than relying solely on technical skills or over rehearsed techniques. This lesson is crucial for leaders as well. While it's important to have knowledge and expertise, true leadership often comes from trusting your intuition. Leaders who rely on their instincts can make decisions more confidently and encourage their teams to do the same. This creates a culture of empowerment, where individuals feel valued for their unique perspectives.
"The actor, in learning to be true and simple, in learning to speak to the point despite being frightened, and with no certainty of being understood, creates his own character; he forges character in himself."
Embrace Authenticity
Mamet champions authenticity in acting, emphasizing that the best performances come from being genuine rather than imitating others. Authenticity builds trust and credibility with team members, fostering a culture of integrity. When leaders are authentic, they build trust and rapport with their teams. This authenticity fosters loyalty and encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work, leading to greater creativity and innovation.
“You are not one of the myriad of interchangeable pieces, but a unique human being, and if you’re got something to say; say it and think well of yourself while you’re learning to say it better.”
Resist Over-Rehearsal
In the book, Mamet argues that over-rehearsing can lead to a loss of spontaneity and freshness in acting. For leaders, this translates into not over-planning or micromanaging. Leaders who resist the urge to control every detail allow for spontaneity and creativity to flourish within their teams. This flexibility can lead to innovative solutions and a more dynamic work environment.
Focus on the Objective
Mamet stresses the importance of having a clear objective when acting. This focus helps actors stay grounded and connected to their role, their lines. Similarly, leaders should always have a clear vision for their teams. When everyone understands the objective, it's easier to work towards a common goal. This clarity aligns the team and drives collective action, reducing confusion and increasing productivity.
“To deny nothing, inventing nothing, accept everything, and get on with it.”
Encourage Collaboration
Mamet believes that acting is a collaborative art form, where the best outcomes are achieved through teamwork. Leaders can take this lesson to heart by fostering a collaborative culture within their organizations. By encouraging teamwork and open communication, leaders create an environment where diverse perspectives can be shared freely, leading to better problem-solving and, and stronger team dynamics.
Learn from Failure
In "True and False," Mamet acknowledges that failure is part of the process. He encourages actors to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Leaders can apply this lesson by creating a culture where failure is not stigmatized but seen as a stepping-stone to success. By embracing failure, leaders foster resilience and encourage their teams to take risks, knowing that setbacks are part of the journey toward growth and improvement.
“Let us learn acceptance. This is one of the greatest tools an actor can have. The capacity to accept to wish things to happen as they do It is the root of all happiness in life, and it is the root of wisdom for an actor. Acceptance. The capacity to accept derives from the will and the will is the source of character.”
Value Discipline and Work Ethic
Mamet emphasizes the importance of discipline and a strong work ethic in acting. Leaders can draw from this lesson by instilling discipline within their teams. This doesn't mean being overly strict, but rather fostering a sense of commitment and responsibility. Leaders who set high standards and lead by example inspire their teams to work diligently toward achieving their goals.
“The challenge is to open the mouth, stand straight, and say the words bravely – adding nothing, denying nothing, and without the intent to manipulate anyone. To learn to do that is to learn to act.”
Respect for the Craft
Mamet's respect for the craft of acting translates to the importance of respecting the expertise and experience of others. Leaders who respect their team's skills and provide them with the necessary resources and autonomy are more likely to build a motivated and engaged workforce.
“Like sports, the study of acting consists in the main of getting out of one’s own way and in learning to deal with uncertainty and being comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Be Courageous
Finally, Mamet's bold approach to challenging established norms in acting demonstrates courage. Leaders can take this lesson to heart by being willing to challenge the status quo and make bold decisions. Courageous leaders inspire others and drive change within their organizations, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
“The simple performance of the great deed is called heroism. The person who will not be swayed who perseveres no matter what – that hero has the capacity to inspire us, to suggest that we reexamine our self-imposed limitations and try again.”
In summary, True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor by David Mamet offers a wealth of lessons for leaders. By embracing simplicity, authenticity, and collaboration, leaders can build strong, dynamic teams and foster a culture of trust, creativity, and continuous improvement. Trusting instincts, resisting over-rehearsal, and encouraging courage can further enhance a leader's ability to guide their teams successfully. By applying these principles, leaders can inspire their teams to achieve greatness and foster a culture of innovation and growth.
The subtitle is key. The authors acknowledge the importance that government officials write well with the intent to produce government communication that the public can understand and use. However, they are even more worried about a connected issue: “too many people with great academic training are writing about powerful ideas, backed by years of research, that are obscure at best and incomprehensible at worst.” The book is aimed at those people with big ideas who want people to read them.
As I read this blog, it reminded me of Aaron Wildavsky’s excellent book of essays, Craftways: On the Organization of Scholarly Work.Wildavsky, a premier figure in the field of public administration, was a true intellectual craftsman: a superb prose stylist as well as an acute mind. He truly believed that quality writing is ineluctably linked to quality of thought. This compilation of essays is his meditation on craftsmanship offering insight less on the mechanics of writing and more on the craft of communicating. His focus on craftsmanship continues to make his work on such diverse topics as political culture, policy analysis, implementation, budgeting, and public administration approachable, engaging, and revelatory. I’d like to share some of his thoughts on the craft of writing and how he approached it throughout his career. It is intended as a nice and worthwhile complement to the guidance offered today by Barrett, Green, and Kettl.
“In the Same Place, at the Same Time, and in the Same Way”
This is the essay that started all. It began Wildavsky’s effort to state the rules of writing he followed so that others might adapt them for their own use. “Were it not for the warm reception accorded this [essay], I might not have continued developing this genre,” he admits. He believed that the basic elements of craftsmanship in social science were not being taught nor observed close to give students a sufficiently precise idea of how to do their scholarly work. Here are some insights in his own words.
Bridging that Chasm Between the Thought and the Deed. Even if the thought is in you, there is no guarantee it will come out. That gulf can only be bridged by taking seriously the task of organizing work.
Developing Appropriate Habits. In addition to having things to say, the ability to write depends on developing appropriate habits, finding the right kind of place, obtaining useful criticism, learning how to arrange material, working out suitable physical style, combining teaching with research, and overcoming temptations to divert energies.
Importance of Habit and Rhythm. One cannot overestimate the importance of habit and rhythm: Try to work in the same place, at the same time, and in the same way. Once the rhythm of work begins to take hold, it carries one through fallow periods. It keeps you going through the inevitable descriptive passages that contain nothing new but are essential for the story you are telling or the point you wish to make.
‘I write when sit and think when I walk.’ [Wildavsky liked to write for an hour or two then walk and think over the next steps.] There is something about releasing the physical energy kept under control while writing that makes it easier to begin again. It is a mistake to push oneself when the flesh is weak and the spirit unwilling. Writing is not only a mental but a physical process in which a sense of though connects thought with word.
Writing is a Process of Self-Discovery. That sometimes leads you to say more than you knew was in you or carries you far from original intentions. That is why I have learned not to worry about introductions to books or essays. There is no sense in trying too hard to get them “right” because you do not know what that will be until you finish. The purpose of a beginning is to get you started; when the work is completed, you can go back to the beginning and tell the reader not what you thought you were going to say but what you ended up saying.
“Rationality in Writing: Linear and Curvilinear”
In this essay, Wildavsky introduces two distinctly different ways to approach writing. He describes how he used each of these approaches in writing two of his book. However, the ultimate point of the essay is to underscore the connection between thought and writing.
Writing as an Integral Part of Thinking. A writer by vocation is a person who cares about the quality and craft of writing as inseparable from the content of whatever they are trying to communicate. Indeed, for me writing has become an integral part of thinking. I don’t know what I think until I have tried to write it. Sometimes the purpose of writing is to discover whether I can express what I think I know; if it cannot be written, it is not right. Other times I write to find out what I know; writing becomes a form of self discovery. I hope to learn more than was in me when I started. Few feelings compare with the exhilaration of discovering a thought in the writing that was not in the thinking.
Writing Should Resonate with the Subject Matter. Making the form fit the substance so style reinforces content, is what craftmanship is about. However, the style should also fit the author, for style is a personal signature. It should be possible to recognize the author from the style. However, it is one thing to want to read a piece because of the author and quite another to learn more about the author than the subject.
Linear or Curvilinear – “Straight on” or “Roundabout”. Books and essays can be written linearly, straight-on according to plan, with one topic following another in orderly sequence. They may also be written in curvilinear fashion much like fitting together the parts of a puzzle except that all pieces are not available at the beginning but only as one goes along, and the final shape is made up by the pieces instead of being fit into a predetermined form. Though process may be roundabout, the story should be linear. I have written both ways and each has its pleasures and pitfalls. Linear is easier, but it must be done consecutively, the relationship among the parts being retained, so that time is a critical constraint. Curvilinear is more rewarding because of the surprise at creating something new.
This blog shares only a snapshot of some of the salient insights about the craftsmanship of writing and the organization of scholarly pursuits as documented by Aaron Wildavsky. Craftways: On the Organization of Scholarly Work has even more to offer its reader exploring such diverse but complementary topics as reading with a purpose, working with others, organizing your time wisely, and how best to do interviews. Throughout these essays, Wildavsky tries to transmute the personal into the general. From his own experience coupled with his observation of others, he offers advice on the craft aspects of scholarship and writing. He admits this advice may be inadequate or out of place, so when in doubt, he advises the reader to do it their own way. In the acknowledgment, he makes another worthwhile suggestion for those who are interested in exploring craftways to checkout C. Wright Mills’ exemplary “On Intellectual Craftsmanship.”
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