John H. Trattner

Furnishes valuable insights into the complex realities of federal management, with detailed profiles of subcabinet executive positions filled by presidential appointees, a discussion of the management dimensions of appointed positions, and an understanding of agency operations, personnel, financial managment, integrity, efficiency, and more. Original.

Written primarily for incoming presidential appointees and those in the White House, Senate, and media who must identify, appoint, confirm, and report on them, Prune Books address the appointment and transition processes in their various dimensions. The 2000 edition explores at length the evolving leadership challenge for presidential appointees and, like its five predecessors, profiles 45 of the toughest leadership jobs in government?responsibilities, issues, and necessary professional credentials. The book is based on interviews with current and former appointees, other veterans of the executive branch and Congress, journalists, and political consultants.

The 1996 edition of The Prune Book tells you all you need to know about more than 50 critical cabinet and subcabinet positions filled by presidential appointment.

The series offers a detailed look at the 60 most important federal jobs filled by presidential appointment in the crucial science and technology work of goverment.

A large number of those who move to the upper reaches of the government in Washington may have only a hazy idea of how to make their time there a success. Many are used to a private-sector world far different from life in the federal establishment. Major features of the Washington environmentópolicy making, budget, ethics, the Congress, the pressóbear little resemblance to what they're used to. In concise and direct fashion, this book provides many of the most important answers they need, not just to avoid mistakes at the beginning but to perform effectively throughout their service in government. Here is first-hand information straight out of lengthy conversations with dozens of men and women who have already been there, distilled for a quick reading by people whose time is valuable. The book groups their wisdom in such categories as politics and process, the first 90 days, the career service, ethics, and the budget. Co-published with the Center for Excellence in Government.