Allen and Erick discuss manner of dress and appearance and the impacts that it may have on your brand or delivery of your message. Allen throws out his concerns with alternate work schedules and asks for the perspectives of the fedworkrealtalk nation. Finally, the team discusses what (if any) impact being involved in a fraternity, club or association has in being selected for that next position within the federal government.

PART 2 of 2Allen, Mark and Katie discuss Allen's experience in the Priority Placement Program and the final result. The team discusses the May 2018 Presidential Executive Order (EO) that changes how employees can be disciplined, with the intent on shortening the time it takes to fire or discipline federal employees for poor performance or misconduct.LINKS:1. Author Page that links to articles pertintent to this conversation and others: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/author/nicole-ogrysko/.2. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2019/10/agencies-get-even-more-performance-management-disciplinary-guidance-from-opm/3. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2019/10/with-injunction-lifted-opm-tells-agencies-to-implement-trumps-workforce-executive-orders/

PART 1 of 2Allen, Mark and Katie discuss Allen's experience in the Priority Placement Program and the final result. The team discusses the May 2018 Presidential Executive Order (EO) that changes how employees can be disciplined, with the intent on shortening the time it takes to fire or discipline federal employees for poor performance or misconduct.LINKS:1. Author Page that links to articles pertintent to this conversation and others: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/author/nicole-ogrysko/.2. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2019/10/agencies-get-even-more-performance-management-disciplinary-guidance-from-opm/3. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2019/10/with-injunction-lifted-opm-tells-agencies-to-implement-trumps-workforce-executive-orders/

Allen chats with Dr. Steven Carter to Deep Dive into the subject of Mentoring. Dr. Carter shares his insight that he has gained Academically and with his exceptional career in the Federal workforce. From his attendance as an Executive Fellow at Harvard University to his earning his PhD in Public Administration with a focus in Strategy and Innovation; Dr. Carter brings a wealth of knowledge and a detailed perspective on Mentoring.

Allen and Erick discuss the Pay for Performance vs. General Schedule (GS) Pay Systems, Awards and the perception of the Federal Workers from both external and internal the system, with Special Guest David Blankinsop. Some of these topics were generated based on discussions that were ongoing on our social media pages. Perspectives are let loose as the team talks about their individual experiences in the short-lived NSPS times and how it has affected their thoughts on the GS system. We talk awards and if they should be earned or just an expected perk. We also talk the funny things that we have heard from others on what they think we federal workers are all about.

Based on recommendations from our listeners here, AFN did a short spot to inform the community that they are aware of our mission and how we hope to help the local and greater Federal, Military Communities at large. As promised, we are posting a copy for your listening pleasure! We thank you all for your support and as always, we hope you find the information...and our random rants...useful and entertaining:-)

Allen chats with Mark Schraeder over some of the highlights of his over 21 years of federal service. From his experience of being in the military to his high operational rhythm position as a senior GS-2210-15 leader, Mark offers valuable insight to both the ups and downs of his career that could help you excel or become a better federal civilian.

Allen discusses with special guests Rhoda Ellis and Katie Cook the keys to a successful transition from being a soldier to a federal civilian. Rhoda details her personal experience as a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, navigating through the process and shares any lessons learned that could assist those brothers and sisters in Arms considering making that same transition. Katie provides crucial insight and dialogue to break down the process from a civilian HR perspective and providing her lessons learned and resources as well.SUPPORTING LINKShttps://www.fedshirevets.gov/ : A great recommendation by Katie that provides a treasure trove of information to support military personnel / veterans seeking employment in the Federal Government.

Allen, Erick and Steve discuss their perspectives on Mentoring and Coaching. The team focuses on the impact that each of these tools have had on their respective careers and how it could potentially affect yours. We "high five" Steve on joining The Federal Worker's Real Talk Podcast Team as the Social Media Manager and wrap up with some Vignettes on implementing both mentoring and coaching.SUPPORTING LINKS:OPM Mentoring Information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/training-and-development/career-development/#url=MentoringOPM Coaching Information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/training-and-development/career-development/#url=CoachingArmy Specific Mentoring Information (CAC Enabled): https://actnow.army.milSites change every day and some links may be off when you visit BUT, just go to the site and do a search on the subject if you get an error.

Allen and Erick discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taking an overseas assignment with special guest Mr. Steven Ollek. We touch on traveling, dependent education as well as the challenges with PCSing and the new Tax Law. We also get the team's perspective on the "5 Year Rule" and special allowances that comes with an overseas assignment.SUPPORTING LINKS:Department of State: https://aoprals.state.gov/DFAS Website: https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo.htmlOPM Website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/Sites change every day and some links may be off when you visit BUT, just go to the site and do a search on the subject if you get an error.