What Does it Mean to be a Leader?
A bipartisan solution for the people
A post from the White House: A Government of the Future states “public trust in government remains low and there is more work to be done.” I read this line and thought: “Wow! A post from the White House is disclosing the truth about public trust in the government?” The post then gives examples of how efficiency programs have saved taxpayer’s money. Nice. Impactful programs that efficiently use taxpayer’s hard earned cash are imperative. Next, they proclaim the need to “modernize and improve government to ultimately deliver better, faster, and smarter services to citizens and businesses.” Wow, this sounds like a business on a mission to better serve its customers. This is awesome. The White House then states there are four pillars necessary to make this happen. These include effectiveness, efficiency, economic growth and …. wait for it … CULTURE.
I did a double take when I read that. Our federal government is openly stating government culture needs improvement. This is a great step in the right direction but how exactly is this happening? If you continue to read the budget document you will find a post about People and Culture. Within are strategies aimed at developing leadership and encouraging an agile workforce. They throw out numbers that paint a dismal picture. The solution suggested is a commitment to strengthen employee engagement. The White House then states:
However, there is no single solution that will guarantee positive results.
Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last states if leaders must put the people within their organization first they will cultivate a culture that provides trust and protection. These values will empower employees and redefine government culture thus, so boosting performance.
If government is really going to change it needs to start from the top. If every leader in government vowed to invest in an empowering culture change and progress may be in reach. By RE: inventing government culture we will RE: define what it means to be an American leader.
