Collaboration is fast becoming the "new normal" for public managers.

This issue examines competencies and characteristics of collaborative leaders and the demands placed on managers in a collaborative environment. The Forum explores the expectations of a collaborative leader and the new capabilities that managers must have to lead change in this environment.

"Most approaches to leading change are designed for the top or the bottom of the organization, not for the middle," Jackson Nickerson writes in his Forum article on page 29. His article highlights three ideas to help build the change management capabilities of public managers.

Management is a secondary focus in this issue. Contributing authors highlight the need for management-friendly workplace environments, the demand for immediate conflict resolution in team environments, and the importance of a unifying change vision to help managers cope with challenges during political change and economic upheaval.

"Uncertainty, fear, and worry fuel the nightmares of public managers," Paul Eder and Blaine R. Young write in their feature article on page 52. Their article explores a change paradigm that can help public managers navigate this uncertainty.

Change is occurring at an alarming rate in the workplace and managers are in the middle of the change. Managers will need to find a way to engage employees, do more with less, build a collaborative environment, and become change agents for their agencies. The future is now.

A New Name, and Our Pledge to You

At the ASTD 2014 International Conference & Exposition in May, President and CEO Tony Bingham and the ASTD Board of Directors announced that ASTD is changing its name to the Association for Talent Development (ATD).

This decision comes after years of consideration of ASTD's brand, a thoughtful review of changes in the profession and major trends impacting learning, and a reflection on the positive and significant impact of our members' work. Since ASTD was founded in 1943, the profession has transformed dramatically.

T&D professionals' roles are much broader and deeper than ever before; they are responsible for a wider scope, have a greater impact on the organizations they serve, and have become critical business partners. ASTD is changing its name to support the growing needs of a dynamic, global profession.

Paula Ketter

Editor, The Public Manager

[email protected]