Confessions of a Civil Servant: Lessons in Changing America's Government and Military

by Bob Stone

Confessions of a Civil Servant is filled with lessons on leading change in government and the military. Bob Stone based the book on thirty years as a revolutionary in government. It comes at a time when the events of 9-11 are sharpening America's demands for government that works at all levels.

The book tackles fourteen overarching themes in government, developed through entertaining stories of Stone's own experiences as a civil servant. Among the topics Stone covers are 'tackling a job when you haven't a clue,' 'organizing for the mission,' 'dealing with difficult bosses,' and 'getting past the barriers to change.' This book is a must-read for anyone in, or considering taking, a leadership position in government, the military, or any large organization, public or private.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book. It's about "re-inventing" government in terms of cutting red-tape and re-thinking how the government or any organization does business and treats its' employess and customers. It is very readable and entertaining, refreshing, funny, and insightful. I can't wait for another book from this guy!

[Chelsea Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone working in government, I thought this book was incredible. It felt like it was written directly to me. But I think anyone would enjoy it.

The thesis is that you reinvent government (or any organization that needs it) by decentralizing authority to the frontline workers and changing the language to focus on customer service and trust. For example, in the Dept of Defense, Stone and his team created 'reinvention labs,' a simple designation/label that empowered an entrepreneurial spirit.

Some quotes I liked:
- (Paraphrasing a paper by Peter Hutchinson & David Osbourne) The government still needs a big stick for those who refuse to comply, but most of its energies should go into educating those who want to comply, simplifying rules and processes and working in partnership to help them comply.
- If you work in government, you'll see things that need doing. You can choose to stay out of trouble, or you can ask yourself, "If not me, who?"

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a government employee, I really identified with this book. There are so many rules and regulations that just don't make sense. What's worse is there is a real tendency to micromanage everything. Trust your employees to get the job done, and provide guidance when necessary. That's all effective management needs to do, especially in the government.