Among other things, they bring new political appointees to leadership positions in an agency or program, and they will supervise or oversee career civil servants. The latter are duty-bound to follow the lawful orders of the former.
The article from Government Executive discusses the challenges and strategies for building effective partnerships between political appointees and career civil servants in the U.S. federal government. It highlights the tension that often exists due to differing priorities, with political appointees focusing on policy changes and immediate results, while career staff emphasize long-term stability and institutional knowledge. The piece emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and communication to bridge these gaps. It suggests that successful transitions and policy implementation require appointees to engage with career staff early, value their expertise, and foster an environment of collaboration rather than confrontation. The article also touches on the need for appointees to be aware of the existing culture and processes within agencies, advocating for a partnership approach where both groups can learn from each other to achieve common goals effectively.
Politics & Government
Mon, December 9, 2024 
