This program is for those in the public sector who never stop thinking about what it takes to improve government services to our residents, businesses, and communities.
- It’s a call to public sector problem-solvers—who are launching a new initiative, grappling with a project that needs a reset, or pursuing a gnarly problem—and must have a comprehensive view from problem-definition to on-the-ground results.
- It’s for these leaders and managers who want to tackle issues not just from a policy perspective, but also to gain a better understanding of how to execute change and deliver results—and have a proven method to do so—tailored to the public sector.
- It’s for those who want to join a community of innovators across state lines, learning alongside and exchanging ideas with peers working on complex public problems.
This interactive program introduces the Results Framework, demonstrates important tools and methods, and provides direct consultation on each participant’s project/problem.
Non-partisan, the four-part Results Framework was developed by experienced public sector leaders for public sector leaders. It focuses on the necessary but often overlooked parts of good governing: successful execution and implementation. For MA Governor Charlie Baker (R) and his Chief of Staff Steven Kadish (D), the purpose of the Results Framework is simple: to improve government performance in the delivery of public services. Performance is about results, not in the abstract but in how individuals, families, and other entities experience those results. The Results Framework is a comprehensive approach that respects the complexity of implementing needed change.
A strength of the Results Framework is that it builds on a deep understanding of what makes the public sector different. It respects what otherwise might be considered “bugs” and makes them “features.” In the end, the approach is not just about solving problems, but also about renewing faith in public services. Strong public services are an answer to public distrust and divisiveness. They can be a bulwark for our community values and our democracy.
About the Program
The program is immediately useful for those leaders and managers who have high-profile projects to launch, troubled initiatives needing an objective evaluation to get back on track, or getting traction on early-stage problem definition.
Created for Busy People, with:
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Reading that is relevant, interesting, and practical
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Structured questions that apply to your work
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An opportunity to 'test drive' new methods and tools
Focused, practical, tailored to public sector leaders, the program consists of 3 virtual lessons offered weekly, each 90 minutes in length. The sessions will cover an introduction to the Results Framework, key implementation tips and strategies, and practical real-situation case studies. Throughout, participants will be able to analyze, test, and apply what they are learning on the problems they are facing today.
Following the workshops, participants will each have a private consultation session with Kadish, co-author, Results: Getting Beyond Politics to Get Important Work Done, in which he will offer tailored advice and individualized feedback to participants about the project they are working on.
Participants Investment
We will be looking for public sector practitioners who see the opportunity and can make the investment to:
- Commit to all 3 sessions and engage in discussion
- Complete (do their best!) the reading assignments
- Prepare short thinking/analytical notes
…in order to learn about new methods and tools to apply to their key projects!
Learning Goals
In the program, participants will:
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Gain a working understanding of the 4 key elements of the Results Framework: a practical, proven, public-sector method to execute change and deliver results.
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Gain practical insights to evaluate what's needed for a successful project launch or to reset an effort that's struggling.
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Learn new methods for leading and supporting key initiatives, including how to build teams, the importance of both data evidence and points of pain for problem-definition, acknowledging both the criticality of what to do and the effort required to deliver, and the objective power of performance metrics.
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Learn new techniques to accelerate effectiveness and understanding, including round-the-table, the triangle, why not to trust averages, agile scrum, releases not waterfall, leadership reviews, examples of performance metrics, and how to improve consultant performance.
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Hear from peers in a confidential setting how they address similar challenges.
Session Outline
Sessions are fast-paced, interactive discussions led by Steve Kadish.
Session 1: Introduction to the Results Framework
- When: October 4, 2-3:30 pm ET
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Reading: Results, Introduction, Chapters 1 People are Policy, Chapter 2 Follow the Facts, Chapter 3 Focus on How, Chapter 4 Push for Results
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For Session 2: Thinking Assignment/Short Reflection: Evaluate your project
Session 2: Focus on Problem Definition and Implementation: Tips and Tools
- When: October 11, 2-3:30 pm ET
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Reading: Results, Chapter 5 From Worst to First: Health Care, & Chapter 7 An Agency Turn-around: Child Welfare; and Solving Public Problems, Chapters 3 From Idea to Implementation, & Chapter 4 Defining a Public Problem
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For Session 3: Thinking Assignment/Short Reflection: “What will you do differently next week? What are the most important takeaways—concepts, tools, methods—for you and your work?”
Session 3: Push for Results: Measuring Progress, Performance Metrics
- When: October 18, 2-3:30 pm ET
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Reading: Results, Chapter 8, Managing through a Pandemic, Epilogue;
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Suggested reading: Recoding America, Chapter 8 The Procedure Fetish, Chapter 9 The Fax Hack, Chapter 12 Up The Waterfall
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For You: Thinking Assignment/Short Reflection: Build your own Checklist to Green; Practice employing a concept, tool
1:1 Consultations
Acknowledging that each project has its unique context and issues, at the conclusion of the three sessions, participants can schedule a 1:1 consultation with Steve Kadish, an executive problem-solver with over 30 years of both public and private sector experience. Here, however the participant believes will be most useful, we can dive into specific trouble-spots, discuss next step options, and/or explore further particular methods and tools.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion from InnovateUS following completion of the course.
