The Bureaucrat With David Reed

Dear Bureaucrat, We’re trapped under the salary cap!

Employees that are by law unable to get a raise might decide to leave the government, or worse, they might stay as disengaged, disgruntled employees. But there are ways to make them less frustrated by a salary cap.

2 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, Will a new boss let me improve things?

There are two leadership styles: “transformational” and “transactional.” Here's how to spot them, and what they mean for your job.

2 years ago

The Bureaucrat

Dear Bureaucrat, My subordinates are revolting!

Congratulations! Sounds like you have engaged employees who care about your agency’s mission, though disagree that all decisions from above serve that mission. Here's advice to get their cooperation.

Dear Bureaucrat, I’m frozen on the salary ladder!

Do not assume everything will work out. Take action. Here are four recommended steps.

2 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, Where is my tribe?

Building a community among people who do the same work as you is valuable, and it can work, but it may take more than one online search.

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, How can I be part of real innovation?

Some officials might make you part of “innovation theater,” encouraging employees to go through the motions of an innovation process, without letting them produce any substantive change. But you can still learn from it ...

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, How can I win arguments against lawyers?

The boss has three reasons to side with the lawyer. Here's how you can overcome the lawyer’s advantages.

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, Do I have to do work I wasn’t hired for?

A federal employment lawyer shares advice for people who work in the public sector.

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, Is a government job worth getting?

Political power shifts. Policies, budgets and personnel change. But there are still some pros to getting a government job.

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, I want to be a crony!

First promise that you will only use cronyism for good ... now here's how to build insider relationships.

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, I want my job to give me rules. Am I crazy?

The good news is, you are not crazy. The bad news is, your employer will probably not start producing written rules. But there are ways you can make up in part for your management’s failure to provide usable procedures.

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, should I worry about my annual evaluation?

Yes, your annual evaluation matters. Here's why ...

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, I’m being micromanaged! How can I get my boss to be less controlling?

One approach is to discuss your feelings frankly, but don’t do it! First, consider a few factors ...

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, should I quit my job to launch a startup?

There are possibilities, and limitations, when using a grow-from-experience strategy to start as an entrepreneur while you keep the security of your job.

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, how can I work with and around my agency’s useless computer system?

Your problem is common: a system is bought, paid for and officially a successful implementation, it just doesn’t do what the workers need. But there are ways to automate tasks in your job that official IT ignores.

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, how can I get the recognition I deserve?

There are strategies you can implement when you feel your boss doesn't appreciate you.

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, should I get a graduate degree to move ahead in my career?

It makes sense to pursue a degree, but you face three decisions.

3 years ago

Dear Bureaucrat, my job wants me to lie

The pressure to certify something you cannot know is more than an affront to your personal ethics. It is an excuse for your agency to not apply real controls that would prevent unnecessary purchases.

3 years ago

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