Dollars and Sense NOVEMBER 2011 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 7. that agencies recruit extroverted personalities.

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1 American Society of Military Comptrollers Mount Vernon Chapter Dollars and Sense NOVEMBER 2011 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 7 President s Message The following article was posted on 21 Nov 2011 to the WashingtonPost.com. I thought it was interesting and worth sharing. Federal Buzz: Does the government need more extroverts? By Alicia Mazzara What s the matter with government culture? By: Kisha Morgan Steven L. Katz, author of Lion Taming, Working Successfully with Leaders, Bosses, and other Tough Customer, argues the problem is that government attracts too many introverts, perpetuating government of loners who don t want to rock the boat. In order to foster innovation, he recommends that agencies recruit extroverted personalities. Most federal workers who weighed in were skeptical that an agency of full extroverts would solve the government s woes. Being introverted isn t about being a misanthrope, some introverted employees pointed out. Introverts make up slightly less than 50% of the Federal workforce, said Carol Davison, a human resource specialist at the Department of Commerce. There is nothing wrong with us. We aren t afraid of people, lacking in social skills, timid, super sensitive, or need to feel safe. We are introverts because we lose energy to social interactions, so we limit it. Several also professed to being mistaken for extroverts because any personality type can exhibit the qualities of a good leader. Explained Kenneth Wells, an employee with the Navy, I have been in positions where I had to act like an extrovert and make decisions quickly and decisively. Just remember that person who you think is an extrovert may be an introvert. All he or she wants is to get the job done, and then spend a little alone time to recharge and work on the next assignment. Others noted the importance of diversity, too. Promoting inclusiveness and creating a culture where everyone s input is sought before making important decisions gives people a sense of ownership, said Gigi Bryant, another Navy employee. Continued on page 4 Recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Five Star and 2010 Community Service Awards BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ASMC MOUNT VERNON CHAPTER membership/joinrenew/ CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Kisha Morgan kisha.morgan@us.army.mil Vice-President Dr. Gary Brooks gary@gdbrooks.com; gary@f8home.com Awards & Scholarship Deborah McLaurin deborah.mclaurin@us.army.mil Chapter Competition Director Ebony Seals ebony.s.seals@us.army.mil Education Director Shirley Cotton anne.cotton@us.army.mil CDFM Chairman Tony Wisdom anthony.wisdom@osd.mil Membership Director James Booker james.a.booker@us.army.mil Newsletter Director Kisha Morgan kisha.morgan@us.army.mil Programs Director Ivery Taylor ivery.taylor@us.army.mil Publicity & Photography Director Kristie Watson kristie.watson@us.army.mil Secretary Dr. Gary Brooks gary@gdbrooks.com; gary@f8home.com Services Director Sharon White sharon.white5@us.army.mil Social & Community Services Director Kristen Grubb kristen.b.grubb@us.army.mil Treasurer Adal Santana adalberto.santana@oig.usda.gov Web Master Vacant Inside this issue: Next Month s Luncheon Information From ASMC National Headquarters 2 3 November Luncheon Recap 3 The Mount Vernon Chapter Running Team 5 PDD Information 6 FREE CDFM Module 3 7 Training Upcoming Events 8

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3 DOLLARS AND SENSE Page 3 From ASMC National Headquarters Senate debates FY2012 Defense authorization bill; president renews veto threat 21st November 2011 President signs bill extending FY2012 Continuing Resolution until December 16 18th November 2011 Conferees complete FY2012 minibus bill that extends the continuing resolution until December 16 16th November 2011 Dempsey and Service Chiefs oppose adding National Guard Bureau chief to JCS 11th November 2011 President orders FY2013 budget cuts to travel, IT devices, and promotional items 10th November 2011 Congress working to complete FY2012 appropriations bills, but needs another CR 9th November 2011 Government s Chief Procurement Officer to step down 3rd November 2011 Senate Armed Services committee leaders tell supercommittee to avoid additional defense cuts 31st October 2011 GAO cites improvement in long-term fiscal outlook 28th October 2011 ASMC wants to know The Armed Forces Comptroller is available to members in two formats, which do you prefer? Online 52.72% Supercommittee deadline looms; DoD leaders warn of potential catastrophic outcome 15th November 2011 Air Force announces civilian job cuts and workforce restructuring 4th November 2011 Printed 45.17% I'm not a member 3.1% November Luncheon The November luncheon was held at DTRA with guest speaker, Mr. James Amps. Mr. Amps spoke about the Challenges of Success in a Diverse World. Lunch was provided by Red, Hot, & Blue. This is the first time we had a luncheon at DTRA and thoroughly enjoyed the location. A big thank you to Kipp Bradley for hosting us!!

4 Page 4 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 7 Publication Highlights The Armed Forces Comptroller Vol. 56, No. 3 Summer 2011 Efficiencies Reducing DoD Overhead Making Every Defense Dollar Count The Honorable Robert F. Hale Improving Defense Business Operations through a Cross-Functional, Integrated Management Approach Elizabeth McGrath What Were They Thinking? Colonel Jeffrey Powell, CDFM The infusion of Efficiency into DON Culture and Processes Eric Fanning Jennifer Balisle Contract Management A Fundamental Component of Any Resource Management Program Brigadier General Thomas A. Horlander, CDFM The CFO Act Financial Audit Process A unique Look in DoD's Efficiency Toolbox John A Knubel DFAS and the CFO Act Keith Welk Crystal Allen, CDFM Terry Roberts Applying a Commercial Merger & Acquisition Approach to Enable DoD Cost Efficiencies Joann Boutelle Jonathan Baba Efficiencies Reducing DoD Overhead: The Air Force's Efficiency Efforts Colonel Charles Fulghum Lieutenant Colonel Frank Verdugo Department of Defense Efficiency Initiatives: Implementing Proposals for Cost Control Jeffrey P. Moon Federal Buzz: Does the government need more extroverts? Continued from page 1... What s important is that employees feel they are kept aware of major changes and they are asked for their thoughts and opinions. By using everyone s skills, we are able to achieve much more, she said. The bigger problem, most who weighed in said is not an imbalance of personality types in the office. Instead, it is a culture that suffocates innovation. A lot of people turn into loners as a result of the environment where they work, not just because their personality tends towards the more introverted side of the scale, said one federal employee who asked his name be withheld. They ve had the innovative spirit sucked out of them. Feds have also seen many talented employees leave government because their contributions were not rewarded. Those willing to push the edge of the envelope and be innovative are often sidelined, or even punished, explained Charles Ray, a career federal employee. It s not enough to recruit people like this. If we don t change the culture, we ll forever be recruiting their replacements because the really good ones are likely to vote with their feet. Perhaps the most important ingredient for success has little to do with being an introvert or an extrovert, said Kristina Nelson, an employee at the General Services Administration. Leaders must be flexible and tenacious, she said. When repeatedly told No, unfortunately we can t do that because of x, y or z, but it s a great idea, that just means taking a different, albeit respectful, approach, she said. If you truly believe in something, it s always worth the effort. That s one trait I ve noticed in great leaders regardless of type. Your ASMC Membership Provides: ASMCOnline.org Your most complete source for defense financial news, information, and online education. ASMC Connection Stay informed of news and updates with this members-only monthly e-newsletter. Armed Forces Comptroller Journal Keep your management skills sharp with in-depth articles on defense financial management issues. Read the journal and take an exam to earn CPE's Chapter Membership Network and connect with local colleagues. As a member you also enjoy significant savings on: Audio Education Distance-based learning by leading experts. Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) Certification. The Sign of Distinction in Defense Financial Management ASMC Online Learning Center (formerly PDI Online) Members-only online education where you can earn more than 80 CPE's. PDI The industry's largest gathering where you can network with more than 4,500 colleagues and attend education sessions that impact you on a day-to-day basis

5 DOLLARS AND SENSE Page 5 The Mount Vernon Chapter Team Complete an 8K, Half Marathon, and Marathon On Saturday, 12 November, the Mount Vernon team consisting of Jeff Petty, Gary Brooks, Kisha Morgan, and Kristen Grubb ran in the HCA VA 8K, the McDonald s Half Marathon, and the SunTrust Richmond marathon in Richmond, VA. Proceeds raised benefited Donate Life to increase awareness of organ and tissue donation. Roll USA Marathon & CareFirst Rock n Roll USA Half Marathon in Washington, DC on 17 March. The team had so much fun and it was for a good cause Community Service and Social Event Director, Kristen Grubb is forming a team to participate in the SunTrust Rock n Kristen Grubb and her mother, Carol Belcher, after completing the SunTrust Richmond Marathon. Kristen Grubb completing mile 7 of 26.2 miles. Kisha Morgan running her first half marathon (13.1 miles). It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. Confucius Gary Brooks is calm and cool running the half marathon (13.1 miles). Jeff Petty s photo finish on the 8K. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Kristen Grubb, Gary Brooks, Kisha Morgan, and Jeff Petty completed the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8K. The Chapter is forming a team to participate in the SunTrust Rock n Roll USA Marathon and CareFirst Rock n Roll USA Half Marathon on Sunday, 17 March 2012 in Washington, DC. Contact Kristen Grubb kristen.b.grubb@us.army.mil for more information and to sign-up for the Mount Vernon Chapter team!!

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7 DOLLARS AND SENSE Page 7 When? 13 December 14 December 2011 Free CDFM Module 3 Audio Training What? Module 3 (Accounting and Finance) CDFM Training via audio lines. The training should be viewed as "top off" training for those who already have training or experience in Module 3 topics. Which lessons are in Module 2? Accounting (35% of exam) Finance (35% of exam) Auditing (15% of exam) Fiscal Law (15% of exam) How long is the training? Two four hour sessions starting at 1200 and ending at approximately Where will the training be conducted? Training will be held at the Humphreys Engineer Center Support Activity, 7701 Telegraph Rd, Casey Building, Room 140B, Alexandria, VA What kind of identification do I need to get in the complex? A CAC ID Card (or another form of Government ID) and DoD decals are required to access the HECSA Complex. How do I register for the training? Send an to the CDFM Chair, Tony Wisdom at anthony.wisdom@osd.mil ( ). While your name will be on the list of participants, it is a good idea to bring a copy of the confirmation. Can I just show up for training? Not recommended. The maximum seating capacity is 25 and only registered, active ASMC members are approved to attend. A waiting list will be kept in the event that some members cancel their reservations. Are there requirements for me after I complete the training? The expectation is that you would take the corresponding exam for Module 3 within a month. Learning is perishable, Use it or lose it! When will the next free training be offered? This is a one time good deal sponsored by National. What about the textbook? The instructor will be lecturing from the most current edition therefore students are encouraged to bring an EDFMTC textbook published no later than October 2010 for the audio training. You can purchase the text book with Modules 1-3 ($40.00 shrink wrapped or $50.00 with binder). You can purchase the Module 4 Addendum separately for $ You can purchase Modules 1-3 with the Module 4 Addendum together for $ All textbooks are shipped UPS and you should allow up to 4 weeks for delivery. UPS will not deliver to a Post Office Box, please include a street mailing address on your order form (see attachment 1). Send payment to: ASMC, ATTN: EDFMTC Textbook Sales, 415 North Alfred St, Suite 3, Alexandria, VA ASMC National also accepts credit card payments. If you choose to use your credit card, you may fax your request to ASMC at (703) You must include your Credit Card Number, Expiration Date, the billing address Postal (zip) Code. You can access this link for more information: Can I just copy or scan the textbook material? NO WAY! It is a copyrighted document and may not be reproduced without permission. Chapters have been advised that should the instructor or facilitator see an unauthorized copy of the textbook in the class (just one) the session will end immediately and will not be rescheduled. How many CPEs are awarded for this? 8 CPEs. Documentation will be provided for you to fill in your name upon completion of the training session. Are there cafeteria facilities? There is a snack bar located across the street on the ground floor of the Kingman Building. In addition, the Casey Building has a lounge with vending machines.

8 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MILITARY COMPTROLLERS MOUNT VERNON CHAPTER P.O. BOX 99 FORT BELVOIR, VA What would you like to see in your Mount Vernon Chapter Newsletter?? Send information, articles, and suggestions to: MARK YOUR CALENDAR November 2011 Su Mo Tu W Th Fr Sa THE MOUNT VERNON CHAPTER IS NOW ON LIKE OUR PAGE TO STAY CONNECTED AND TAG YOURSELF IN PICTURES!! MISSED THE LAST EDITION OF THE MOUNT VERNON CHAPTER S DOLLARS AND SENSE? GO TO OUR CHAPTER WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION AND UPCOMING EVENTS!! Upcoming Events December 2011 Su Mo Tu W Th Fr Sa January 2012 Su Mo Tu W Th Fr Sa Status of Deficit Reduction in Congress Begin Date: Dec :00 End Date: Dec Location: Audio Education Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course (EDFMTC) - Hosted by DW-NSA Begin Date: Dec End Date: Dec Location: Linthicum Heights, MD Status of Deficit Reduction in Congress - Corporate Breakfast Begin Date: Dec :00 End Date: Dec Location: Bank of America on 15th Street NW in Washington D.C. Module 3 Audio Training - Accounting and Finance Begin Date: Dec :00 End Date: Dec Location: Humphreys Engineer Center Support Activity, 7701 Telegraph Rd, Casey Building, Room 140B, Alexandria, Virginia Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course (EDFMTC) - Hosted by DW-NSA Begin Date: Feb End Date: Feb Location: Linthicum Heights, MD Budget Panel Begin Date: Feb :00 End Date: Feb Location: Audio Education For chapter events visit For all ASMC events visit Federal Appropriations Law/3 day Purpose, Time and Amount Course Begin Date: Feb End Date: Feb Location: Holiday Inn Rosslyn, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington VA Fiscal Law - Purpose Course Begin Date: Feb End Date: Feb Location: Holiday Inn Rosslyn, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington VA Module 4 - Acquisition Business Management Begin Date: Feb End Date: Feb Location: Holiday Inn Rosslyn, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington VA Mount Vernon Chapter Professional Development Day Begin Date: Feb :00 End Date: Feb :00 Location: The Waterford at Springfield, Springfield, Virginia