ABSTRACT

David Leclaire, who is responsible for program support in the Department of Energy's Office of Defense Programs, uses the budget process as an illustration of the need for increased participation in decision making: 'We have a budget of $3.5 billion, but it is going to get smaller. There is going to be increased competition for scarce resources and there are a lot of people who want part of that budget. The role of collaborator also signifies a significant departure for many who grew up and prospered in the traditional bureaucracy in which they alone were responsible for their work. Many described the difficulty of delegating. They found the transition from hands-on leadership to hands-off emotionally traumatic. Federal officials interviewed by Government Executive observed that modern leaders must be flexible and adaptable, willing to take risks, and articulate with enthusiasm the enduring values and current missions of the organizations they serve.