“… for the first time, VA leadership is now investing in re-training OIT in modern product management, which is user-driven and has the goal of shipping well-designed products that meet user needs…”
The problem we’re solving: reinventing training to include empathy building with users
“The U.S government has delivered hundreds—thousands—of digital products over the past decades. In fact, most of the ubiquitous technologies we use today were developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, NASA, and other government agencies and Federal Laboratories. Yet you won’t find any job openings for a product manager (that accurately describes the role) on the USAJobs website.”
“The lack of product roles in government is just one indicator of a larger problem: Government is using traditional project management methods but expecting great digital products….and it’s not happening. Moreover, individuals are investing in costly professional certifications, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP), which isn’t going to help them deliver better products to users…”
“In the spring of 2019, we pitched Bill James, VA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Development Operations (DevOps), to formalize the training and include volunteer work at VAMCs. He not only approved the idea but also became a champion of the program participating as a guest speaker. James Gfrerer, VA’s CIO also supported this new, user-centered approach…”
Training for success: VA’s shift is a model for other agencies
“VA is making a massive culture shift that puts Veterans at the center of every digital product we ship. This new approach to training is unlike any other government training, and the market is taking notice…” Read the full article here.
Source: How VA is disrupting tech delivery – By Kelly O’Connor, September 19, 2019. FCW.
