Staff Reports
As President Joe Biden thinks about making changes for a second term and as former President Donald Trump eyes a return, potential Cabinet secretaries are getting tips on how to excel in their new roles.
Loren Smith, a former deputy assistant secretary of transportation under Trump, advised that loyalty to a shared vision is key for political appointees, even more so than loyalty to the president. He also emphasized the importance of assembling a top-notch team that understands how the bureaucracy works and suggested treating each day as if it is the first day on the job.
Smith’s advice, based on interviews with former executives who worked with presidents dating back to the Reagan administration, aligns with influential groups such as the Heritage Foundation. He also recommended establishing a “farm team” of advisers and keeping experienced mentors around.
One key point for possible Cabinet picks to consider is that running a large federal agency requires a unique approach. Although no presidential administration has perfectly nailed initial cabinet appointments, there are guiding principles that can boost a secretary’s chances of success.
To-do list: So you want to be a Cabinet secretary @SkylinePolicy Loren Smith: Act as if “every day is Day One,” advice that works in any line of business.https://t.co/9ah4waCzJy via @dcexaminer pic.twitter.com/izj7uQ1hpM
— Paul Bedard (@SecretsBedard) April 29, 2024
Smith emphasized the importance of implementing new processes to incorporate input from relevant offices and agencies, building a unified team that supports the overall policy direction, and finding individuals who are both loyal and competent in their roles. He also highlighted the need to quickly staff senior roles and competently handle communications, scheduling, congressional oversight, legal matters, and relationships with career staff and stakeholders.
Additionally, Smith emphasized the need to prepare for the long-term by developing a “farm team” for future administrations and paying attention to seemingly small details that could pose management challenges.
