Ready to Govern®: Current Appointees

Political leaders are responsible for implementing a presidential administration’s agenda. To drive change and make a difference, political appointees must be familiar with how to navigate and succeed in a complex federal government environment.

Ready to Govern Sessions

As a trusted advisor on presidential transitions and federal leadership development, the Partnership for Public Service is uniquely positioned to quickly get political executives up to speed.

Through Ready to Govern, appointees can participate in up to 11 sessions featuring proven content developed from hundreds of conversations with federal leaders. These 90-minute sessions are led by bipartisan faculty comprised of current or former political appointees and career executives. Using their deep knowledge of the federal government, these experts equip incoming leaders with the tools, information and strategies to streamline operations and make meaningful change at their agencies.

For more information about available sessions, please see our brochure or contact [email protected].

“Ready to Govern is the place where you learn how to manage competing priorities and also build the network of support that will help you further [your career].”

Gwen Keyes, former chief of staff at the EPA

Learn more about our impact

Featured Resources

Understanding the Federal Budget Cycle Tips
The federal budget is one of the most significant policy instruments of the federal government and is used to fulfill constitutional responsibilities, implement policy priorities, and fund the operations of government to serve the public. Understanding how to navigate this complex process to implement the president’s priorities is important to your success. This resource outlines key elements of each budget phase, how they affect you, and key information sources to learn more.
December 12, 2022
Key Players in the Federal Budget Cycle
The federal budget is one of the most significant policy instruments of the federal government and is used to fulfill constitutional responsibilities, implement policy priorities and fund the operations of government to serve the public. The main players in the federal budget process include the Office of Management and Budget, the Government Accountability Office, the Congressional Budget Office and inspectors general.
December 12, 2022
Mapping Stakeholders
Managing relationships is a crucial part of your role. It is important to recognize existing successful relationships with key players in the White House, the Office of Management and Budget and other federal agencies and learn to build new ones. Effective relationships ensure the impact of your contributions outlives your tenure. The following tips and worksheet will help you define and manage relationships with your stakeholders.
December 12, 2022
Identify Your Key Stakeholders
Managing relationships is a crucial part of your role. It is important to recognize and learn to build successful relationships with key players within the White House, the Office of Management and Budget and other federal agencies. Building effective relationships ensures the impact of your contributions outlives your tenure. The following worksheet will help you define and manage relationships with your stakeholders.
December 12, 2022
Roadmap: Five Steps for Successful Execution
To focus and execute your agenda in the federal environment, it is helpful to create a plan or roadmap. Below are five steps for successful execution, along with a few questions to ask yourself. Given your role, your agency, and your leadership style, how you tackle these five steps is up to you.
December 12, 2022
Tips for Building a Strong Team: Political-Career Collaboration
Your success as a political appointee depends on how well you manage relationships with career staff and how well you contribute to a strong team. We recommend three important steps: engage career staff early and often, build a strong team and set clear governance structures.
December 12, 2022
Five Technology Priorities for Government Leaders
Successful policy and program delivery relies on understanding technology and how to best work with technologists at your agency. The following tips will help you—as a senior leader in government—navigate challenges in five key areas so you can more effectively use technology to advance your agency’s mission.
December 12, 2022

Additional Resources

Nine Tips for Following Government Ethics Rules

Reforming the Role of Chief Financial Officers

Guide for Incoming Cabinet Secretaries

Guide for Incoming Cabinet Deputy Secretaries

Guide for Incoming Assistant Secretaries for Administration and Management

Our Experts

Valerie Smith Boyd

Haley Foster

Jill Hyland

Chantelle Renn

Looking for more?

To learn more about the Center’s work with current appointees, please contact us at [email protected].

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