Getting it done: a guide for government executives.

• Position: News & Numbers - Brief article

Four years ago, the IBM Center for The Business of Government released a book to guide new government executives, especially new political appointees. The goal was to quickly acclimate new government executives to the world of public service as practiced in Washington. The book, titled Getting It Done: A Guide for Government Executives, contained a series of short strategic discussions about "the dos and don'ts" of Washington and presented useful insights about working with key stakeholders and constituencies. Much of the information, updated and republished for 2013, is also useful for state and local government leaders.

Part I of the book offers a straightforward to-do list to guide officials in their new leadership positions, including tips on learning how things...