Defense Mavericks

Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Delivery with Jennifer Pahlka

Apr 9, 2024

Jennifer Pahlka discusses shifting to product management in government, prioritizing mission over process, embracing change for tech integration. Also, focusing on direct user feedback, simplifying policies, community engagement, and communication needs.

34:02

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Episode guests

Bonnie

Jennifer Pahlka

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Transitioning to product management from project management is crucial in government settings.

Honoring and supporting public servants is essential for their resilience and dedication.

Deep dives

Transitioning from Project Management to Product Management

In the podcast, it is emphasized that transitioning from project management to product management is crucial. Project management focuses on completing tasks efficiently, which is vital in government settings with extensive workloads and maximalist interpretations. However, product management involves prioritizing tasks from the outset, distinguishing between essential and optional elements. By shifting to product management, the focus is placed on what truly matters, akin to the decision-making process of choosing to go to the moon amidst challenges.

Introduction

3min

Acknowledging the Sacrifices of Public Servants

2min

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Policy and Delivery

7min

Emphasizing the Importance of Mission in Public Service Work and Addressing State Capacity Crisis

3min

Bridging the Gap Through Direct Communication

18min

This week, Bonnie is joined by special guest Jennifer Pahlka, author of "Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better”, to talk through some of the most pressing issues facing public servants today. Jennifer dives into the need to shift from project management to product management, the power of human-centered policy, and how embracing change can accelerate the integration of emerging technologies. Tune in for an important conversation on reshaping the public sector to better serve its citizens.

TIMESTAMPS:

(5:13) The power of bottom-up policy

(6:39) Closing the gap between policy and delivery

(12:41) Why public servants should prioritize mission over process

(16:33) Discovering your “why”

(19:16) Focusing on direct user feedback rather than requirements

(23:28) Adding vs. simplifying policies

(26:09) Putting a stop to maximalist approach to policy

(27:14) Shifting from project to product management in government

(31:17) How to seek community & communicate needs

LINKS:

Follow Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpahlka/