Leadership was the topic of the day last Thursday, March 31, when the Center for Human Capital Innovation (CHCI) hosted an all-day conference entitled “Leading Government Through Turbulent Times.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Scott Gould kicked off the event with a keynote speech that detailed what it was like to lead in a high-level position at the country’s second-largest federal agency. Gould called for transformative leadership government-wide, and encouraged attendees not to let things like budget restraints deter them from pushing forward with innovative ideas.

Gould’s sentiments were echoed by his fellow speakers, including the Office of Management and Budget’s Shelley Metzenbaum, the Office of Personnel Management’s Stephen Shih and Angela Bailey, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Jody Hudson, the Partnership for Public Service’s John Palguta, Hay Group’s Connie Schroyer, and the Lincoln Leadership Institute’s Steve Wiley.

The Navy’s Capt. Mike Abrashoff closed the day by sharing stories about his experiences as the former commander of the USS Benfold, previously one of the Navy’s worst ships before being reformed by Abrashoff and his leadership style. Abrashoff encouraged audience members to lead with positivity by highlighting workers on their staff that have turned in excellent performances.

The conference concluded with a Call to Action, in which participants were requested to join CHCI in forming a Leadership Community of Practice. The group will work together to put into practice some of the leadership ideas discussed at Thursday’s event.

If you have any ideas how CHCI can help to transform the government’s leadership techniques for the better, please leave your thoughts in the comments section. Did you attend last week’s event? What was your greatest takeaway from the day?