John H. Trattner – författare

A Brookings Institution Press and the Council for Excellence in Government publicationWritten 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 2004 Prune Book serves as a valuable resource for presidential appointees who manage the federal government on a daily basis. Introduced in 1988, Prune Books describe the positions appointees hold and the challenges they face. The books are distinguished by essays that give firsthand insight into such complex realities as managing the federal government for results and the appointments process itself.This 2004 edition offers fresh approaches to the management aspects of an appointed position. One chapter, for example, provides a tool kit designed for, and essential to, incoming senior federal appointees. It examines the management dimensions of their jobs, helping them manage for results and advising on what is required for survival and success as an appointee. Senior civil servants will also value the discussion of coordinating strategies and mechanisms that embody the current approach to federal government management. This overall approach is aimed at increasing the return on investment of taxpayer dollars.This version of the Prune Book is specifically geared to help new senior political appointees grasp today's coordinated, government-wide agenda for improving federal management. In addition, it will be instructive to anyone who is considering federal employment or is interested in finding out more about how government works.

The 2004 Prune Book serves as a valuable resource for presidential appointees who manage the federal government on a daily basis. Introduced in 1988, Prune Books describe the positions appointees hold and the challenges they face. The books are distinguished by essays that give firsthand insight into such complex realities as managing the federal government for results and the appointments process itself.This 2004 edition offers fresh approaches to the management aspects of an appointed position. One chapter, for example, provides a tool kit designed for, and essential to, incoming senior federal appointees. It examines the management dimensions of their jobs, helping them manage for results and advising on what is required for survival and success as an appointee. Senior civil servants will also value the discussion of coordinating strategies and mechanisms that embody the current approach to federal government management. This overall approach is aimed at increasing the return on investment of taxpayer dollars.This version of the Prune Book is specifically geared to help new senior political appointees grasp today's coordinated, government-wide agenda for improving federal management. In addition, it will be instructive to anyone who is considering federal employment or is interested in finding out more about how government works.

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.

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 environment-policy making, budget, ethics, the Congress, the press-bear 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.

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.