With rare exceptions, few large institutions change bosses every two or three years. Yet the U.S. Government has temps on top. Thousands of political appointees come in to run an agency or department and depart soon after, at the whims of the electorate, due to inside-the-Beltway bureaucratic politics, or because of their own ambitions. Many career bureaucrats view their temporary political bosses as 'ins and outers,' 'birds of passage,' or, more derisively, 'Christmas help.' Yet for better or worse, the number of Santa's helpers has doubled since 1960 even as the length of their stay in government has declined. Numerous scholars advocate reform of the political appointment process, and many primers have appeared to help the appointees adjust to life inside the Beltway. Beyond a Government of Strangers is the first book to focus on the men and women who stick around, on the career executives and their own roles in the executive branch. Robert Maranto provides pithy and sage advice on how career leaders can improve tenuous relationships and overcome conflicts with political appointees, especially during presidential transitions. He offers a rare insider's perspective, with the first-person account of former Deputy Counsel of the Navy Harvey Wilcox and quotations taken from interviews with scores of career executives. Included in the book are helpful strategies such as 'Ten Tips on Managing Your Political Boss' and invaluable details such as how careerists at different Federal agencies handle the orientation of new appointees. The wisdom collected here will ensure more effective relationships in our government as well as more astute scholars of public administration. No one working inside the Beltway can afford to miss this book.

Praise for An Insider's Guide to POLITICAL JOBS IN WASHINGTON "Bill Endicott has written a remarkable description of what Washington political jobs entail, how you get them, and where they lead-a public service." -Gerald Ford 38th President of the United States, Former Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives "Public service is essential to our democracy. Bill Endicott's book . . . is the best primer I have read to help those interested in serving in our nation's capital. For those of us who have had the opportunity to work in political jobs, this experience benefits both the individual and the country." -Leon Panetta Former U.S. Representative, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and White House Chief of Staff "A view of the process from the inside-from someone who's been there many times. No other source puts all the critical tips into one place as this book does. The perspective on the process is unique. The personal anecdotes and interviews are invaluable. We plan to recommend it to everyone who walks in the door hoping to find a job in politics." -Jennifer Blanck Director of Career and Alumni Services, Georgetown Public Policy Institute, Georgetown University and -John Noble Director of Career Services, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University (view table of contents)

Product Description: Book by Hogue, Henry B. (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

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Product Description: Book by Trammell, Jeffrey B., Osifchin, Gary P.

Product Description: The government of the United States today is deeply involved in activities that have significant scientific and technical (S & T) components that are vitally important for economic productivity and technological competitiveness, national security, an improved environment, better health, and many other purposes...read more