Cleaning out the deadwood - no chance

Having been employed in the state government for a considerable time frame, I have seen firsthand the government sector mentality and work ethic. Based on my observations, motivating these employees is a difficult task, sometimes punishment is the best option.

Work ethic ha ha, that's a good one. All I have seen is a lack of accountability, the ability to shirk responsibility, take credit for other people's work whilst actually dodging work, create a toxic work environment and become professional YouTube viewers.

What you cannot do is clean out the deadwood, this is an almost impossible task. I have seen pretty much two management styles, one is an anything goes laissez faire attitude where people do as they please.

The other style is the authoritarian micro-manager that drives the motivated workers mad sapping their energy and enthusiasm by relentless scrutiny. I have never been a fan of the micro-manager, to my way of thinking, all it does is de-motivates high performers.

So what is the answer? My belief is you pick the worst performing employee in terms of attitude, motivation and output and drive them hard. Give them the opportunity to improve and if they won't comply then transfer them to another section.

The motivated employees can be guided by a delegation style, set the requirements and leave them pretty much to their own devices. Check up on them on a regular basis by giving them the support they need to achieve their agreed upon goals.

Make an example of the non-performers, this sends a very clear message to the rest of the workforce. Likewise, the performers are rewarded with the best assignments, conditions and rosters. If your efforts are going to be rewarded then why wouldn't you put in the effort?

However, the less motivated are invited to increase their workload and output, make sure everyone knows this isn't an exclusive club that is only open to friends and followers. You earn your membership, if you perform then you are rewarded.

The deadwood are faced with a decision, no longer can they do bugger all and get away with it. They are going to face increased scrutiny and be made accountable; they have a choice, they will be rewarded for increased effort or face increased direct supervision and accountability.

No longer will the lazy non-performers be rewarded with the lightest workloads whilst the performers are required to pick up the slack. All too often in the government I see the lazy individuals have and easy ride. If you want to clean out the deadwood then make them accountable.