Tag: Professional Development

Professional Development

Reflecting on the Pandemic: Networking

You, like many people, may feel dread in hearing the word “networking.” You are not alone, according to one study from Harvard Business School, people feel gross about networking being pushed by their superiors because of the feeling of how transactional it can be. That same study showed, however, that people do feel good about organic (or self-initiated) networking. Networking can be good for not just you as an individual but also good for your department and organization. Read more “Reflecting on the Pandemic: Networking” →
Emergency Procurement & Risk Management

3 Tips for Re-Building Your Post-Pandemic Office

Both the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the National Conference of State Legislatures project that budget shortfalls for FY 2020 and FY 2021 could create millions of dollars’ worth of deficits. In order to save money, some state information technology workers are already planning to work permanently from home, even after the pandemic has subsided. Keep the possibility of permanently working from home in mind as budgets shrink and innovative solutions are explored. What could your procurement office look like in the post-pandemic? Here are 3 tips for re-building your post-pandemic procurement office. Read more “3 Tips for Re-Building Your Post-Pandemic Office” →
Professional Development

Change Management: Prepare to Succeed

Change is an inevitable fact of life, and when working with executive offices or legislative bodies it’s often mandatory.  Whether it’s implementing a new eProcurement system, utilizing new solicitation methods, or just modernizing your codes and processes; it’s a manager’s responsibility to ensure successful adoption.  Change Management ranked #8 on NASPO’s Top Priorities for 2020.  Here’s how to facilitate change and achieve buy-in from your office.

  Read more “Change Management: Prepare to Succeed” →

Professional Development

Accelerated Innovation During a Pandemic?

Despite the pandemic’s disruption of normal work life, innovation can still take place. A disruption can often be the catalyst of systemic change. This is because in a disruption, there is a push to quickly fix inefficiencies within the system. The main killer of innovation is often habit.  The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted businesses and government across the country, but it doesn’t mean your office cannot capitalize on the opportunity for innovation. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, the techniques used to fuel innovation from disruption are still applicable today.[1]

Read more “Accelerated Innovation During a Pandemic?” →