Leading Change in the Public Sector: Investigative Interviewing in the Internal Revenue Service

When you think of the Internal Revenue Service, what's the first thing that comes to mind? If you're like me, it's probably thinking of your tax returns and hoping you don't get an audit letter in the mail. Well it turns out while that's probably everyone's first thought, there is so much more to the IRS than meets the eye. This week, I had the great fortune of being an invited speaker to address the assembled leadership of the IRS Criminal Investigations Division from the Newark, NJ Field Office.

Once you get past the mundane tax return part of the IRS, you realize that this is a massively complex organization that is dedicated to rooting out financial crimes and money laundering throughout the United States. As such, this is an organization that has incredibly talented Special Agents conducting complex financial investigations and as with all investigations, at some point, it comes down to people talking to people to get information... the investigative interview!

I had the privilege of addressing the assembled leadership team, not only to talk about investigative interviewing, but to provide perspective on leading change in a public sector organization. Twenty-five years of progressive leadership experience, coupled with an incredible network of professionals has provided me with some insights as to what works, and what I wish I could do again!

Without going into too many details about the content, my overall takeaway from the session is a recurring theme. I have found time and time again that those dedicated to ensuring our public organizations are effective and some of the most passionate people you will meet.

"Captain Greer, I want to thank you for your presentation to my leadership team on Leading Change. It was outstanding!"

It was a pleasure to speak to this assembled group and to learn from their shared experience as well. I'd like to personally thank the Acting Special Agent in Charge and the Director of Field Operations for the Northeast for the opportunity, for the cool swag, and for the kind words above. I wish them all continued success in their mission... as long as it's not looking at my tax returns :)