Federal Managers Association

In the News

• HEAR FMA NATIONAL VP GEORGE SMITH DISCUSS MANAGING EMPLOYEES UNDER BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS WITH FEDERAL NEWS RADIO - April 11, 2011

• Tips for management under the new budget

  Federal Managers Association National Vice President George Smith appeared on The Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Amy Morris to discuss how managers can effectively supervise employees in the presence of financial constraints due to agency budget cuts.

  Click here to listen to the interview.

  Below is an accompanying article that complements Smith's interview.

  Tips for management under the new budget
  April 11, 2011

  Federal managers across government were ready Friday to implement a government shutdown if a budget deal not gone through. Even with a funding plan in the works, managers will continue to face the challenges of operating under stricter budgets and keeping employee morale high amidst uncertainties.

  George Smith, deputy director for industrial support and national vice president at the Federal Managers Association, shared his top tips for federal managers:

  • Expect the best but prepare for the worst
    Develop a plan for a potential shutdown.
  • Communicate
    Reassure staff they are not alone. Encourage them to write to their respective representatives. Stay in contact with the unions. Ask hard questions.
  • Don't focus on rumors
    Don't get wrapped up in "watercooler talk." Instead, stay focused on the task.

  Smith said he understands the stress that comes with budget battles. During the 1995-96 shutdown, Smith was relocating as part of a Base Realignment and Closure move.

  "I was concerned I was going to be without a paycheck and it would be devastating, and I had a lot of out of pocket money re-establishing myself in a new state," Smith said.

  He added, "In my situation, it was very stressful because my wife and I both worked for the federal government."

  To view this article in its original format, please visit Federal News Radio at: http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?sid=2340408&nid=15&_hw=fma

  
  

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