In our system of government, career managers report to political appointees. When a new Administration takes office the term of appointment of the current political executives ends. The new cadres of political appointees often have a steep learning curve during which they need excellent support from the careerists. It is also a period when the new appointees can issue policies and orders without a deep appreciation of the impact these will have on the mission of the agency. At this juncture the skill sets of the courageous follower and intelligent disobedience are often vitally needed. This is significantly compounded when the new Administration is of the other political party with an agenda materially different than that of the former Administration.
Given these structural dynamics, and the avowedly disruptive agenda of the new President and his political appointees, I frequently am told "everyone should be reading your books." While that would be personally satisfying, at best I can encourage the application of a few core principles for those in the public sector being buffeted by these changes. They are equally applicable in the private sector.
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