Government Leaders: View Your Junior Workforce as Future Leaders and Coaches
Insights / Blog

Government Leaders: View Your Junior Workforce as Future Leaders and Coaches

Government Leaders: View Your Junior Workforce as Future Leaders and Coaches

Great team performance depends on exceptional leadership. Leaders use their knowledge and vision to gain their teams’ trust.

As a college field hockey coach, I see the value in seeking new practices to elevate a team’s performance. I constantly look for new approaches and best practices to improve my team’s performance. I also ask my players to share their thoughts and ideas, including them as coaches, in a way, as well.

Promoting a growth mindset among future leaders gives them the opportunity to have innovative conversations on new ideas and alternative solutions to problems. For example, a coach may use an open dialogue on what defensive drills will help a team against an opponent while practicing allows team members to provide input and feel included.

Leaders in the Federal workforce can similarly learn from the next generation who provide a fresh perspective and innovative ideas, and often ones that can help agencies better use technology. Federal leaders should encourage participation and welcome ideas from all employees at all levels – from new joiners and those early in their career and senior executives. Increasing employee participation and opportunities to make an impact, like taking on a coaching role, can improve motivation and productivity. Welcome discussions with new joiners asking them to share ideas can make sharing information easier and less stressful

throughout their journey with the organization. Discussions and listening sessions with those new to Government services or newer to the workforce in general can help build relationships and lead to engagement with leaders in the future.

To learn from their employees, Federal leaders should develop a framework that allows them to understand the important work their employees do and intentionally engage them at key points in their career – starting at the beginning. The framework should include channels and opportunities that highlight workplace culture and explain how to engage employees in the workplace. Building and implementing this framework takes time, but it is worth it.

Whether you are coaching a soccer team or leading a Federal program or office, enhancing participation and engagement from the upcoming generations of Federal employees spurs innovation and develops leadership, which is crucial to achieving the mission.

Blog Innovation Consulting Collaboration Workforce of the Future

Contributors

Arc Aspicio |

Arc Aspicio enhances the future of our nation by creating bold ideas and bringing them to life. A consulting and solutions company, Arc Aspicio solves problems by applying our integrated capabilities in strategy, design, data, human capital, behavioral science, and technology. The company passionately pursues our vision to be the hub of creativity where people take action to change the world. To do this, employees collaborate with clients and partners to create solutions using a human-centered approach. Innovation is not possible without action. The company focuses on strategy first, then takes a hands-on approach implementing ideas to achieve results. Join Arc Aspicio and our Strategy Innovation Lab (SILab) by creating and sharing ideas to inspire people to change the world. Follow us on Twitter @ArcAspicio @SILabDC and, #welovedogs!

Meet Arc Aspicio  |  View all Insights by Arc Aspicio

△
Building Trust in Government through Accessible Information for the Public

Building Trust in Government through Accessible Information for the Public

More than one in four Americans have a disability according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 increases the reach of Government by making Federal programs and resources accessible to all. To achieve 508 compliance, digital products must adhere to industry-wide standards for color contrast, alternate text, and PDF tags. 508 compliance is about more than just adhering to regulations – it gives everyone a fair chance to apply for benefits and stay informed.

→
Jackie Lamb
Using AI to Strengthen Local Jurisdictions Against Human Trafficking

Using AI to Strengthen Local Jurisdictions Against Human Trafficking

Combating human trafficking requires sensitivity to the experiences of victims, whose trauma and fear can make identification and cooperation especially challenging. Significant resources and coordination must be managed across jurisdictions for law enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations to detect and investigate these complex crimes. Because of the significant resources and energy required, small and local jurisdictions often lack the capacity to identify, investigate, and prosecute these crimes.

→
Maria Ventura
,
When Every Moment Counts: How FEMA Works with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Stakeholders

When Every Moment Counts: How FEMA Works with State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Stakeholders

Disaster management is a complex undertaking, one that requires smooth operation across all levels of the Government. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) works with a network of emergency managers and other stakeholders before, during, and after natural disasters, including state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) Government agencies. Each SLTT agency’s circumstances are unique, including their knowledge base, budget, resources, and relationships with other Government agencies.

→
Michael Finnegan
From Checkpoints to Confidence: Building Security Through Public Trust

From Checkpoints to Confidence: Building Security Through Public Trust

Strong border security measures depend on earning the public’s trust and therefore, public cooperation. Recent updates to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures highlight how small adjustments can have significant impact when it comes to building this trust. Changes such as eliminating the need for passengers to remove shoes or laptops under certain conditions not only reduce delays but also demonstrate responsiveness to the concerns of travelers. These shifts improve efficiency while sending a message: Security can adapt to meet both safety requirements and public expectations.

→
Connor Fahey
Culture is the Strategy Engine: Empowering Managers to Lead with Data

Culture is the Strategy Engine: Empowering Managers to Lead with Data

Strategy is a set of decisions about what an organization will – and will not – do to achieve its goals. The larger the organization, the more challenging it is to implement a strategy. A clear, well-understood strategy helps focus resources and effort on an organization’s most important priorities. Culture, however, is the key to making strategy happen, especially in large, complex organizations like the Federal Government.

→
Lynn Ann Casey
,
Picture This: How Information Graphics Tell a Story to Key Stakeholders

Picture This: How Information Graphics Tell a Story to Key Stakeholders

Effective communication is essential for Government program leaders, especially when conveying complex or mission-critical information to stakeholders. While traditional methods like written or spoken updates can fall short, infographics offer a powerful alternative by making data more accessible, memorable, and engaging. By mastering the key principles of infographics in storytelling, leaders can transform stakeholder communication. Using well-crafted infographics not only enhances clarity but also drives stronger project outcomes.

→
Christian Duncan
,
Taking a Human-centered Approach to Address Challenges at our Border

Taking a Human-centered Approach to Address Challenges at our Border

In today’s global landscape – shaped by increased migration, globalization, and evolving security concerns – agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must balance national security with the efficient processing of individuals entering the country lawfully. To manage risk and maintain security, CBP can continue to prioritize the needs of travelers who must enter the country quickly by taking a human-centered approach.

→
Arc Aspicio
, ,
Enhancing Homeland Security Operations with GenAI

Enhancing Homeland Security Operations with GenAI

Every month, artificial intelligence (AI) increases in both popularity and capability. AI refers to a computer’s ability to perform automated tasks in a manner that mimics human intelligence. In today’s fast-paced environment, AI provides Federal agencies with a solution to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks (e.g., data entry and analysis) to prioritize complex, mission-critical work.

→
Jackie Lamb
, ,
Why Lasting Collaboration is Key for Effective AI Regulation

Why Lasting Collaboration is Key for Effective AI Regulation

With the advent of generative AI and the explosion of data privacy, bias, and other concerns, the need for effective AI regulation is becoming increasingly important.

The Federal Government and private sector already have an interest in working together to create strong regulations. The private sector’s knowledge and flexibility provides innovative solutions to the Federal Government, while rigid Federal regulations reduce the likelihood that tech companies will invest in products that could be regulated out of existence.

→
Arc Aspicio
,
Telling Stories with Data

Telling Stories with Data

In today’s fast-paced world, where information overload is the norm, effective data storytelling is essential for Government agencies to interpret complex datasets and clearly communicate insights to policy makers and stakeholders. Agencies like Homeland Security are tasked with enhancing their decision-making and information capabilities to fulfill their missions, report to Congress, and engage with citizens. It is imperative for Federal agencies to use available tools and capabilities to conceptualize and effectively communicate data-driven insights.

→
SILab
, ,
Trust and Understanding: Knowing Your Stakeholders is the Key to Delivering Mission Results

Trust and Understanding: Knowing Your Stakeholders is the Key to Delivering Mission Results

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.

→
Arc Aspicio
, ,
Building Trust in Government through Transparency and Accountability

Building Trust in Government through Transparency and Accountability

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.

→
Arc Aspicio
,