The Presidential Appointee's Handbook - Softcover

DeSeve, G. Edward

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0815718330 ISBN 13: 9780815718338

Publisher: Brookings Institution Press, 2008

Synopsis

With every new presidential administration, thousands of highly accomplished individuals face one of the greatest challenges of their lives: learning to become an effective presidential appointee. This handbook will help ease that task. In clear, crisp language, punctuated by numerous examples, Edward DeSeve explains the ten core competencies that distinguish successful presidential appointees. These skills and abilities range from personal dedication to public service and the ability to manage change to global awareness. In illustrating these concepts, DeSeve draws on ideas developed by scholars of public and business management, as well as his many years of government service. Equally important, he presents a guide to the key terms, laws, and regulations that new appointees will have to deal with once in office. Not surprisingly, presidential appointees have typically been successful in their professional lives. These are people accustomed to getting things done. But for many of them, the federal government constitutes a brave new world, full of daunting challenges and potential pitfalls. The Presidential Appointee's Handbook will help them find their footing and effectively formulate, implement, and enforce the policies of the president at whose pleasure they serve. It will also help political observers grasp more fully the enormity of installing and operating a new government.

About this title

About the Author:

G. Edward DeSeve is senior lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute for Government and senior fellow at the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. He previously served as chief financial officer of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, controller of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and deputy director for management at OMB.

Review:

"Presidential appointees arrive in Washington eager to do a good job but often unclear about how to get started. This is the book they should read first." —Alice M. Rivlin, former director, Office of Management and Budget

"There's never been a time when strong executive branch leadership has mattered more —or when the puzzle of how best to provide it has been more difficult. In this lively and provocative handbook, Ed DeSeve draws on his frontline experience to outline the competencies that top leaders need to lead well. American government —and the citizens it serves —will be far better served if its top officials follow the straightforward counsel in this primer." —Don Kettl, Robert A. Fox Leadership Professor and professor of political science, University of Pennsylvania

"The Volcker Commission stressed that a key to effective government is having a cadre of talented, committed, and empowered leaders in place. The guidance provided in this handbook will be important to the success of presidential appointees as they assumed their new posts and throughout their tenure. Concurrently, it can make the difference to the new administration's ability to effectuate its policy goals." —Hannah Sistare, former executive director, National Commission on the Public Service (Volcker Commission), and staff director, U.S. Senate Committee on Government Affairs

About this edition

• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0815718330
• ISBN 13: 9780815718338
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 123