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GCN Home > 04/19/04 issue

Donna Bonar - HHS: The system pays

Online Extra Q&A: Donna Bonar

By Kevin McCaney, GCN Staff

Q: What advice would you give someone looking to move up to the manager level?

Being a federal manager doesn’t necessarily mean you will be managing federal employees. With outsourcing, a new mindset and skill set are needed to effectively manage in this new federal/contractor team environment.

Q: What’s the best advice you received, and from whom?

Surround yourself with a talented and diverse team of individuals that are not afraid to speak their minds. A team of talented and diverse individuals told me that!

Q: Why government service?

Where else can you have the opportunity to dramatically impact the lives of our nation’s children? I’m a believer in effective government, and being a problem solver allows me to be a part of the solution.

Q: How important is mentoring in developing a good manager?

It’s easier to learn by example and experience. Being willing to listen to and learn from a manager-mentor not only impacts the time it takes to climb the management ladder, but allows practical experience to learn real-life problem solving skills. By mentoring at the management level, we’ve been able to preserve and propagate the program’s institutional knowledge and culture.

Q: What part does fun play in your work?

There’s truth to that saying about all work and no play! Fun is a no-cost employee benefit that boosts morale. It’s important to celebrate your successes together.

Q: How do you balance work and home life?

I balance with a lot of support. At work I have a group of dedicated people who are willing to pitch in where needed, and at home I have a husband who’s very supportive and participates fully in raising our kids.

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