Leadership teams taking the reins of government in 2017 will have to overcome the demoralizing effects of years of budget deficits, a heavy loss of talent, frequent criticism, and mounting pressure to 'do more with less,' all of which have contributed to declining interest in public sector careers and deteriorating performance. Over the past twenty years there has been a widening gulf between the "people management" practices in the private and public sectors. Change is badly needed but it does not have to start by canceling existing civil service rules. This book argues for rethinking the way public employees are managed. The changes will contribute to a healthier, more productive work environment that once again enables public agencies to attract and motivate a highly qualified workforce. Written by leading experts with decades of experience as managers and consultants, It's Time for High Performance Government provides executives, managers, and elected officials at all levels practical advice to improve government performance.

By Howard Risher and William Wilder

Foreword
Preface
1 Creating a Rewarding and Productive Work Environment in Government Agencies
2 The High-Performance Work Environment
3 Motivation and Emotional Commitment
4 Building a Leadership Team
5 Developing a Cadre of Effective Managers
6 Competing for Talent: Recruiting, Selection, and Onboarding
7 Investing in Workforce Capabilities
8 Strategies for Managing Older Workers
9 Managing Agency and Executive Performance
10 Managing Employee Performance
11 Developing an Effective Compensation Program
12 Cash + Benefits = Total Compensation
13 Developing Productive Labor-Management Partnerships
14 Communication Is the Foundation for Improved Performance
15 Managing Special Government Occupations
16 Redefining the Role of HR
17 Good Government and Reform
Index