The General Accounting Office (GAO) was the first to shine a spotlight on the government’s workforce issues when the “congressional watchdog” declared human capital a high-risk challenge to government-wide performance.

Although GAO’s employees were first-rate, the organization had become too process-oriented and risk-averse. Moreover, the workforce was not suited to achieve its future mission requirements and meet succession planning challenges. GAO used strategic human capital planning as the foundation for transforming the organization. As a result, GAO is results-oriented, client-focused and employee-oriented—to the benefit of Congress, the executive branch and ultimately every American.