Ask Mary: How Can I Manage My HR Director’s Performance?

Ask Mary: How Can I Manage My HR Director’s Performance?

This is Ask Mary, an advice column dedicated to helping public sector leaders address common issues and challenges with grace, humility and wit. In this column, MRG CEO and founding partner Mary Egan offers her unique perspective and wisdom honed over two decades of...
Policy Deserts: How A Lack of Policy Puts Your Agency At Risk

Policy Deserts: How A Lack of Policy Puts Your Agency At Risk

In the last eight years working with MRG, I’ve performed organizational assessments at cities across California, often focused on City Clerks’ offices. Recently I’ve noticed an alarming trend of what I’ll call “policy deserts”: policies and procedures are often...
Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Collaboration?

Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Collaboration?

Yes definitely! The desire for a highly collaborative environment can lead to chaos when there is a lack of clarity about roles and responsibilities.  Public sector work is complex and requires collaboration across a multitude of internal and external stakeholders....