Global Leadership Consortium

David Walker

David Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, and Clay Johnson, Deputy Director of the Office and Management and Budget, presented their views on the competencies for global leadership in this program for federal officials. Their presentations inaugurated the Global Leadership Consortium formed by the Federal Executive Institute, the Graduate School, USDA, and the Academy to provide networking and training opportunities on global issues for U.S. government employees who are not part of the traditional defense or foreign affairs communities.

• The preeminence of the United States is not without challenge.
• Those challenges include globalization, aging, diversity, mobility, intellectual capital, fiscal challenges, and living standards.
• Many agencies have significant responsibilities for global issues in the environment, science, technology, public health, and many other fields.
• The ability to work internationally and to understand the global implications of policies and programs is a critical human capital need.
• All agencies need a human capital strategy that includes international concerns.

Clay Johnson

• The abilities of persons sent on assignments abroad and of those who work domestically on issues with international aspects are both important.
• Even seemingly domestic issues, such as the regulation of nanotechnologies or genetic engineering, have consequences for the policies and economic interests of the United States abroad.
• Training alone is insufficient: senior management must direct employees to consider the international consequences of their work.
• Employees often have more responsibility than authority, particularly in international settings. To be successful in that environment, it is essential to understand the concerns of others and to develop solutions that address those concerns as well as our own.

Discussion

• Decentralization and delegation of authority cannot be used as an excuse for something not getting done. A department needs to take ownership and responsibility for all that it wants to accomplish.
• The decentralized nature of government makes coordination difficult at agencies in Washington and at diplomatic posts overseas.
• Most agencies acknowledge that their work has international implications.
• It would be useful to inventory the national training capability of the U.S. Government.
• Clarity and accountability are vital.