For years, federal employment has been synonymous with stability. Benefits, pensions, job security—these were the pillars of a career in government. But now, with recent dismantling of federal agency staffs and RIFs (Reductions in Force) looming, that stability is disappearing faster than a well-funded agency at budget review time.
If you’re a federal employee facing layoffs, restructuring, or an uncertain future, it can feel like your career is slipping out of your hands. But here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t about your job title. It’s about action.
The best leaders—the rebel leaders, aren’t the ones waiting for HR to give them a new assignment, a downgrade or a RIF notification. They’re the ones who take control, adapt, and create opportunities where others see dead ends. And that’s exactly what you need to do now.
Rebel Skillset: The SPAR Crisis Framework: How to Take Control in Chaos
Crisis isn’t an “if”—it’s a “when.” And when it hits, leaders don’t have the luxury of hesitation. They need to make decisions, take control, and turn problems into momentum. That’s why I created SPAR: Stop the Bleeding, Prioritize, Act, and Rebuild—a battle-tested framework designed for high-stakes situations where failure isn’t an option.
I built SPAR through years of navigating crisis—not in a classroom, but in real life. From conducting search and rescue operations and combat missions to facing unimaginable personal loss and advocating for my son’s complex medical battles, I learned that leadership under pressure requires more than just resilience—it demands clarity, speed, and execution.
When disaster strikes, the worst thing you can do is freeze. The second worst? Overreact. SPAR is about making the right moves under pressure so that you contain the crisis, cutting through the noise, and executing with precision.
The key principle? In a crisis, perfection is a luxury. The leaders who win are the ones who make the best decision with the information they have and move forward.
To SPAR efficiently and effectively, you need to master four Rebel Tactics.
Rebel Tactic Step 1: Stop the Bleeding (Contain the Damage)
Your first move isn’t panic—it’s control. The shock of losing a job (or even just the threat of it) can send you into a spiral of anxiety. Rebel leaders don’t let uncertainty paralyze them; instead, they focus on immediate action.
Techniques for What to Focus On Now:
- Assess your financial runway. How long can you sustain yourself? What expenses can be cut right now to buy more time?
- Know your severance rights. Federal layoffs have rules so find out what yours are. Will you get a buyout? Are there transition programs available? Be your own best advocate.
- Control the narrative. The worst thing you can do? Let fear dictate your next move. Layoffs don’t define you—how you respond does.
GSD Tip: A job loss is not a career death sentence. It’s just a pivot. Rebel leaders don’t wait to see what happens next—they move first.
Rebel Tactic Step 2: Prioritize Ruthlessly (Identify the Must-Fix Issues)
Not everything needs fixing right now—only the most critical things do. The key to bouncing back isn’t to scramble in 50 directions but to ruthlessly prioritize what matters most.
Techniques for Questions to Ask:
- What’s your next career move? Will you stay in government, pivot to private industry, or start consulting? Decide now.
- Which skills transfer best? If you’ve spent years navigating bureaucracy, managing policy, or leading teams—guess what? That’s valuable everywhere. Identify your biggest strengths and package them for a new market.
- Who’s in your corner? Start reconnecting with old colleagues, mentors, and peers. Your next opportunity will likely come from someone you know, not a job board.
GSD Tip: The rebel leader’s mantra is “Cut the noise.” Don’t waste time on low-value activities (like rewriting your résumé 50 times). Instead, identify the highest-impact actions and execute them.
Rebel Tactic Step 3: Act Decisively (Execute with Speed & Precision)
Now is the time to move fast and break out of analysis paralysis. Rebel leaders don’t wait until they have all the answers—they take action, refine as they go, and adjust when needed.
- Apply with purpose. Scattershot job applications get ignored (been there and done that with no results). Target industries where your skills translate well (think project management, policy advising, or compliance roles in the private sector).
- Test multiple strategies. Don’t just rely on job postings. Reach out directly to hiring managers, leverage LinkedIn, and tap into your network.
- Start something of your own. Consulting, freelancing, or contract work could be a stepping stone, or even your next full-time gig. Your federal expertise has value beyond government walls.
GSD Tip: Imperfect action beats perfect hesitation. Taking one well-executed step forward is better than waiting for the “right” opportunity to fall into your lap.
Rebel Tactic Step 4: Rebuild Smarter (Prevent It from Happening Again)
Layoffs suck—but they’re also an opportunity to rebuild a career with more security, flexibility, and freedom than before. The best rebel leaders don’t just survive change—they use it as fuel for transformation.
Techniques to Rebeuild:
- Bulletproof your career. Build multiple income streams. Network constantly. Stay ahead of trends so you’re never caught off guard again.
- Upgrade your skills. Learn what industries are hiring and how you can fit in. Take short-term courses. Get certifications. Adapt and stay relevant.
- Control your own career narrative. Don’t just be “a former government employee looking for work.” Instead, position yourself as a leader, a problem-solver, and a change agent.
GSD Tip: The best way to future-proof your career? Make sure you’re always growing. The more adaptable you are, the harder you are to replace.
Final Thought: Leadership Isn’t a Job Title—It’s a Choice
Layoffs will happen. Industries will shift. But rebel leaders don’t let circumstances define them—they take control, move fast, and create new opportunities. Yes, federal agencies may be getting dismantled, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and wait for a pink slip. Instead, take charge, apply the S.P.A.R. framework, and rebuild a career on your terms. This isn’t the end of your leadership—it’s just the beginning. Now go GSD.
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