In a parting message to OPM employees, acting director Beth Cobert said that while her future plans are uncertain, “Wherever I go, I will tell the story of OPM and the incredible 2.1 million men and women of the federal workforce who come to work every day without praise or fanfare and do the hard but necessary work of improving the lives of the American people.”
Cobert–who was never confirmed due to a dispute that predated her arrival at OPM in 2015 in the wake of federal employee data breaches that compelled the resignation of her predecessor–also issued parting advice to OPM employees, much of which would resonate in other agencies, as well:
“First, work together. When we solve problems as one OPM, acknowledging that the success of one program is tied to the success of the other programs, we are better positioned to deliver on our mission.
“Second, leverage your expertise. There is more knowledge within this agency about how to creatively strengthen the federal workforce than any other organization in the world. OPM succeeds when you harness this knowledge and apply it to solving problems creatively and collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders in and out of government.
“Third, focus on operational excellence. OPM is a customer service organization, and we thrive when we focus on developing the internal and external tools necessary to deliver on that mission. These tasks are not just for the support offices alone. Every program and employee is responsible for building the processes to make the agency as effective and efficient as can be.
“Fourth, lead by example. We have an opportunity to model the best practices we are trying to encourage in other agencies. If we do, we can develop a highly engaged workforce that models our shared vision for the future of federal work.
“Finally, don’t be afraid to tell OPM’s story. Change is not made through memos and policy guidance alone. It comes through sustained communication and two-way engagement with stakeholders. If we invest the same care in communicating our ideas as we do in formulating them, we can drive longer and more lasting change.”
