The Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals are presented annually by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service to celebrate excellence in the federal civil service. Among the awards is the Management Excellence Medal, which recognizes a federal employee for demonstrating superior leadership and management that exemplifies efficient, effective, and results-oriented government.
The Public Manager spoke with finalists in this category to ask how their leadership style helped them champion changes at their organization.
Margaret Focarino
Commissioner for Patents,
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Noted for leading reforms that improved the speed and quality of patent examinations and approvals.
Change can be unsettling, but we have a historical opportunity to be part of change. Some of what we tried to implement wasn't perfect at first, and we were OK with that. You have to revisit and perfect the changes over time.
You need a vision to know where you're going—it's a journey. You need measurements to show the people both below you and above you that the journey is occurring. Metrics keep them focused and let them know when they can expect to see changes. You have to share that information. Processes that were built over decades are not going to change overnight.
Kevin T. Geiss
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy,
Department of the Air Force
Noted for reducing Air Force energy consumption, saving more than $1 billion in 2012.
My style begins with my motivation, which is the mission of the Air Force: to fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace. Energy enables everyone to do their part of the mission. Make sure your staff have the tools to make an impact, innovate, and improve. How they do their particular job affects the whole mission. Staff need to see the value of their job, and the value their organization brings to the defense mission. They need to see why and how their effort links to a broader, higher purpose.
Training is another element. We look at every training curriculum to identify best opportunities to improve energy consumption.
Claire Votaw
Director, Project Services Office,
Department of State
Noted for building a shared IT network for agencies operating overseas.
Organizations are hesitant to embrace change. Communication helps overcome that resistance. I provide as much detailed information as often as possible and in different ways.
You need partners across your organization. Set out what everyone's roles and responsibilities are and get everyone on board early in the process so there are no surprises. Find out what people's issues are and specifically address them. Communicate to senior management; get their buy-in. Get end users involved and show them how it will affect their daily life. I like to bring many people to the table to find the best approach for what I'm doing.
For more information: http://servicetoamericamedals.org