To assist government leaders in better understanding the characteristics of successful transformations, the Center for the Business of Government asked Robert Reisner, an expert in government transformation, to interview a select group of US federal executives who have recently undertaken major transformation initiatives in their organizations.

Based on these interviews, Mr. Reisner framed a series of interrelated steps which government executives should consider when they undertake any transformation initiative:

• Develop a compelling transformation game plan
• Align the transformation game plan with your mission
• Center your game plan with a reliable innovation process
• Transform strategically
• Design implementation to sustain transformation

Transformational change is not the steady, incremental improvement most government officials have spearheaded in the past. Success in transformation depends on getting the right changes done right. A key lesson from those interviewed is that transformation is indeed hard work, requiring intensive engagement with all stakeholders, including employees. All the leaders interviewed emphasized the importance of engaging employees and other stakeholders to shape the transformation. The goal of the transformation initiatives described in this report is to substantially change the way the organization operates, while building upon the history and culture of the organization. Transformation is clearly not for the faint-hearted, and in the modern networked age, it is likely to be far more consuming than any strategic challenge that has come before.

It is time for new ideas, re-thinking of old models, and the enthusiasm of new leadership to tackle old problems with fresh ideas and energy. We trust that this report will be a useful and informative guide for government executives at the federal, state, and local level as they work toward transforming their organizations for the future. Find the report here.

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Security Jam 2012
March 19-23 2012

The Security Jam is a gathering that focuses the brain power of thousands of experts around the world -- including global security stakeholders, representatives of national governments and armed forces, international institutions, NGOs, think-tanks, industry and the media -- on key security issues. Over five days participants will login to a state-of-the-art online collaboration platform to discuss topics as diverse as strategic partnerships, crisis management, cyber-security and future capabilities. Leading subject-matter experts will focus discussions on producing concrete solutions. The most innovative recommendations will be presented to the NATO and EU leaderships ahead of the May 2012 Chicago summits.

Join the discussion! 

Smarter Governing is what we're working on, find more answers at ibm.com/federal.