QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS
What is 13L?
13L is a leadership collective of 13 committed mid-career federal employees who have a strong interest in issues related to leadership in the federal government and who desire to hold federal leadership positions.
What is the mission of 13L?
The mission of 13L is to promote effective leadership in the federal government by advancing discussion and sharing practical information across agencies, undertaking group-sponsored projects and initiatives, and supporting the professional growth and career development of fellow members.
How will 13L achieve its purpose?
13L will achieve its purpose of promoting effective leadership in the federal government through three broad approaches. First, the group will act in a similar fashion as a community of practice in working to share information within and across agencies and to advance inquiry and discussion of issues related to leadership in the federal government. Second, the group will be analogous to a community of purpose with the goal of undertaking specific and defined projects and initiatives to promote effective leadership in the federal sector. Third, the group will serve in a similar manner as a community of commitment in that members of the group would commit to supporting fellow members in accomplishing their individual goals, including those related to professional growth and career development.
What are the general qualifications for membership?
Membership of the group is to be individuals who are federal employees at the GS-13 to -15 level (or equivalent) who have a strong interest in issues related to leadership in the federal sector and who desire to hold federal leadership positions. Membership in the group is to be without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or any other factor that does not affect an individual’s ability to be an effective leader. Membership in the group would cease upon (1) promotion to a senior federal leadership position (i.e., Senior Executive Service or equivalent); (2) resignation, termination, or retirement from the federal government; or (3) vote of three-fourths of the current membership.
Who decides who is a member?
Members are so designated by a unanimous vote of current members of the group. Nominations for membership are to be generated from the membership itself or from any advisor so designated by the current membership.
Who are the advisors to the group?
Advisors of the group are to be current and former public managers, scholars and academicians, business executives, labor leaders, or nonprofit leaders who provide insight and experience in advising the members of 13L, including nominations for future membership in the group. There shall be as many advisors as the current members so desire. Advisors must be designated as such by a unanimous vote of the current members. Advisors would serve a predetermined term as decided by the current membership. Prior to the end of such term, an advisor could cease to be such upon vote of three-fourths of the current membership.
What types of initiatives or projects will the group carry out?
Current members of the group--with advisement from any group advisors--will decide on the initiatives or projects that the group will carry out. Any initiatives or projects are to be carried out with the goals of the group fully in mind. Projects could involve providing assistance to federal agencies or collaborating with other “good government” organizations to promote effective leadership in an agency or across the federal government.
How will the group carry out its activities?
The group will carry out its activities though the use of committees. The intention would be for each member of the group to serve as chair of at least one committee per year, such as the project leader of a group-sponsored initiative or the chair of a standing committee (e.g., membership or press outreach).
Can members of the group be from any federal agency?
Yes, membership in 13L can be from any of the three branches of the federal government, including both civilian and military. There is no specific limit on having more than one member from the same federal department or agency; however, a broad-based membership across numerous departments and agencies could aid the group in carrying out its work.
I understand that one of the purposes of the group is to support fellow members in achieving their goals, including those related to professional growth and career development. How will that work?
Each member of the group will be required to work actively in aiding their fellow members to achieve individual goals. These goals could be short-term and related to a current position or assignment, or the goals could relate to achieving long-term professional growth and career development. Each member will be required at least annually to report out formally on what he or she has done to support each of the other 12 members in achieving their goals.
Will the group collect any dues for membership?
No. There are no plans to collect dues from members. Currently, the only expense for the group is the maintenance of the group’s web site, which is to be paid by the President of the group.
How much time would a member have to devote to the activities of 13L?
Members should expect to devote on average about 2 to 5 hours per month on activities related to the group.