Getting Smart as a New US Agency Leader
Here’s how incoming political appointees can gain deep insights into the vast organizations they lead.
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The transition to a new presidential term is a massive undertaking—and one of the key hallmarks of US democracy. Effective governance on a national scale depends on a smooth White House transition process and, just as important, on federal agencies’ ability to adapt and react to the demands of a new term. Our government institutions—and the Biden administration—need a playbook for how to navigate this critical period, particularly amid the turbulence brought by the coronavirus pandemic.
At BCG, we know there’s a lot of work to be done outside of the Executive Office. Government agencies, particularly, bear the brunt of the transition, while civil servants—the backbone of government—are responsible for managing changes as they occur. New policies mean new organizational priorities, a turnover in high-level leadership positions, and, in many cases, the need to reimagine how things gets done.
BCG’s deep experience in partnering with the highest levels of the public sector, and our wide-ranging capabilities in related topics, will serve these agencies well today and for the work that still lies ahead.
The question before us is what will the consequences be for those who acted so dangerously to put our country and our leaders in Congress and the Vice President at such grave risk—and what we do in coming months and years to further secure our democracy to reduce the risk of similar or even more extreme actions in the future.
Read Rich Lesser’s full post on the events at the Capitol
Here’s how incoming political appointees can gain deep insights into the vast organizations they lead.
New government leaders must build momentum quickly. To make that happen, they should identify clear priorities and build a team drawing heavily on civil servants.
BCG has worked with the Partnership for Public Service’s Center for Presidential Transition since 2012 to produce resources for three presidential transitions, including a curriculum for senior leaders, counsel for transition teams, and the Presidential Transition Guide, which is the first comprehensive document of its kind.
President Biden spent the transition making the critical shift from campaigning to governing. BCG and the Center for Presidential Transition analyze where incoming presidents have historically focused their energy as they ready for their presidential term.
There may be only one White House, but there are hundreds of federal agencies, each operating under a unique set of circumstances and conditions. This guide offers widely applicable, yet comprehensive, insights for career agency transition teams.
Click here for the Agency Transition Guide
New and incumbent presidents need effective transition teams to hit the ground running. This guide draws on real-world examples to offer best practices and critical lessons for taking charge of the Executive Office and executing on campaign promises.
Click here for the Presidential Transition Guide
This directory, hosted on the US Government Services Administration website, provides helpful information and key resources for planning and designing the new federal government.
Click here for the Presidential Transition Directory
Rich Lesser shares his thoughts with NPR on the current role of business in politics and how business leaders can find common ground with the new administration.
In the aftermath of the presidential election, the US has its last best chance to reset the fight against the coronavirus.
The new administration will fight to advance and protect US economic interests—but America will no longer go it alone.
President Joe Biden has proposed the most ambitious climate policy in American history. How should companies get ready for the changes that are coming?
Agencies are planning for change, organizing for success, building new teams, and clearly expressing their objectives—no mean feat, especially in a global pandemic. In this landscape of uncertainty and transformation, agencies can look to BCG for expertise in the following topics:
Large-Scale Change. Many public sector organizations operate in a state of constant flux, but a new term requires extra diligence and adaptability.
Leadership Development. Turnover is a reality in any presidential transition. New leaders must be ready to take charge of their organizations and to build effective teams.
Digital Government. Change is inevitable. Agencies must harness technology and AI solutions to transform themselves while managing costs.
Taxpayer Experience. Even amid change, federal agencies must continue to provide for citizens. Now is the time to implement new ways of working and to improve the user experience.
Employee Upskilling. The start of a new term provides an excellent opportunity to improve processes and develop talented teams capable of serving the American people.
A presidential transition is no excuse for public sector organizations to slow down. They are expected to deliver seamlessly for their citizens, even during a transition—and especially in times of crisis. These organizations must continue to devise creative solutions to complex problems. BCG helps the public sector improve how it operates so that it can meet, and exceed, its high-stakes goals.
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