Step Two: A Grounded View

Last month I shared a photo of the Capitol building, taken from the top of the Washington Monument. This month I wanted to show you a different perspective – a view from inside the Capitol Rotunda, looking up 180 feet to the inside of a dome that’s recognized around the world. The painting on the ceiling (the Apotheosis) covers almost 4,300 square feet and contains a scene of the founding fathers sitting next to mythological characters while George Washington ascends into heaven. I always enjoy visiting the Capitol because it is where Congress debates the bills that become law, and there’s something incredible about being on the ground, in the place where that happens.

Speaking of the law, beginning March 3 FELTG is offering its famous webinar series for supervisors on all the laws – plus the regs, executive orders, best practices, and more – they need to know to effectively manage the federal workplace. Topics include performance, discipline, reasonable accommodation, leave, whistleblowing, harassment, and more. Early registration discounts are available until February 24, and this series meets OPM’s mandatory training requirements for supervisors at 5 CFR 412.202(b). Just one hour every two weeks is well worth the lessons learned.

It’s now time for the February 2020 newsletter. Look inside for articles on “informal” discipline, the Hatch Act, EEO, and more.

Enjoy,

Deborah J. Hopkins, FELTG President

You Can’t Be Halfway Pregnant, and Informal Discipline is Not a Thing

Have you ever heard this saying: You can’t be halfway pregnant   -- either you are, or you aren’t? There are a number of things in life that are...

The Good News – Don’t Worry, Be Jolly

I know, I know. The Bobby McFerrin hit song was “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” not “Don’t Worry Be Jolly.” But I want to provide a way to make yo...

A Valentine to Not Being Creative

 “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” ...

A New Goofus and Gallant Navigate the Hatch Act

As a young child, I never dreaded a trip to the doctor’s office because that meant I would get my hands on an issue of Highlights for Children. I’...

The Supervisor Survival Series: Talk to Employees Regularly

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating: Supervisors and managers should have regular conversations with their employees throughout the apprai...

Standards that Actually Measure Performance – A Look at Whistleblower Protection

Before I talk about requirements related to whistleblower protection and performance plans, I need to talk about the reason behind the Congress’ act...

Tips From the Other Side: February 2020

When counseling clients on how to proceed in their cases, I recommend requesting a hearing rather than a Final Agency Decision (FAD) far more often th...