People Skills for Policy Analysts

The education of policy analyst is focused largely on the technical expertise required for the profession. In this book, aimed at advanced graduates, Michael Mintrom focuses on the interpersonal skills that policy analysts require. In doing so he fills an important gap in the education of policy analysts.In the first chapter Michael Mintrom begins by exploring the role of the policy analyst and the policy making process, and then moves seamlessly into explaining why having good people skills is also important for policy analysts. In the subsequent chapters he examines how policy analysts can improve their interpersonal skills. The chapters cover: how analysts can improve how they manage their resources, building expert knowledge, interviewing informants, giving presentations, working in teams, facilitating meetings, writing for multiple audiences, conflict management, professional networking and pursuing excellence.The book is designed so you can read it as a whole or read individual chapters. At the end of each chapter there is a summary of the key points, thought provoking exercises and recommendations for further reading.This book is a must have for anyone training to be policy analyst and a valuable resource for practicing policy analysts.

I purchased this for my MPA program and it has been a great text. The author is easy to understand and read and doesn't bog you down with dull material. This is a very easy read and is easy to get through.

I love this book

In today's policy environment, a large part of the analyst's job is selling their ideas and analysis. Too often I've seen bad ideas and analysis win over good ideas just because the bad ideas had better marketing. This book helps you learn to present yourself and your ideas in a more persuasive fashion especially to decisionmakers who don't have the time and/or attention span to really understand an issue.