The Lectern
Getting better deals for the government
COMMENTARY | Steve Kelman explains that common sense has often had a tough time getting accepted in debates about procurement policy.
Driving innovation from the middle
COMMENTARY | NASA's Jennifer Elkins is an example of how senior civil servants can affect change in large organizations.
From Harvard to Ukraine
Steve Kelman catches up with a former student whose work has taken him to the front lines of U.S. efforts to curb nuclear proliferation.
Turning a page
Steve Kelman reflects on his impending retirement.
Is the Biden administration's management agenda getting back on track?
On the federal contracting front, reforms seem to be working better in practice than in theory.
Why formal government communications work better than informal ones
A study looks at how expectations of government style influence how citizens respond to messaging.
Okay boomers—listen up!
Steve Kelman remembers the savage beats of the great Tom Lehrer.
Dissenting from our toxic political culture
Steve Kelman says it's important in this highly partisan era to find points of disagreement with one's own party.
Remembering Professor Carter
Steve Kelman reflects on the former defense secretary's life in government and academia.
Measuring for management
Steve Kelman is impressed with how today's senior federal civilian and military managers approach performance data.
Making an apology
On a trip to Taiwan, Steve Kelman reflects on the importance of apologies.
Lessons from Taiwan's rise to dominate the computer chip industry
Steve Kelman notes that an assertive industrial policy can yield big wins for governments willing to invest and manage their investments.
Featured eBooks
Let's not cancel TikTok
Steve Kelman argues that First Amendment rights come ahead of vaguely articulated national security concerns when it comes to the China-owned social media app.
The DHS Procurement Innovation Lab is still busy
Steve Kelman looks at how advisory downselects pioneered helped speed up a key FEMA acquisition – and how other agencies can benefit.
Loving guns, hating the government
In the wake of recent mass shootings, Steve Kelman explores the reasons why some are resistant to assault weapons bans and how it may stem from an aversion to the federal government.
A tribute to a pioneer advocate for small disadvantaged businesses in government contracting
Steve Kelman remembers Centech founder Fernando Galaviz.
Why are there so many tributes to Ash Carter on my Facebook page?
Steve Kelman considers the impact of a colleague.
My COVID – and a thank you to our scientists and our government
Steve Kelman says he owes a debt of gratitude for a relatively mild encounter with the coronavirus.
Signs that 'faceless bureaucrats' helped mitigate the impact of Hurricane Ian
A look at cities and towns in the path of Hurricane Ian that escaped devastation points to the value of modern building codes – and the officials behind their implementation.
A U.S diplomatic organization that works
How a short video speaks volumes about current U.S. approaches to diplomacy in China.
