Managing Government Employees: How to Motivate Your People, Deal with Difficult Issues, and Achieve Tangible Results

by Stewart Liff

Managing government employees presents unique challenges. Government managers may feel that stringent and convoluted regulations mean they "can't do that". Some others may use that perception as a crutch. But the truth for all of them is, yes, they can "do that" -- and they'd better. "That" means managing employees as proactively and decisively as their corporate counterparts, and holding their staffs, teams, and departments accountable for productivity and results. Managing Government Employees offers dozens of techniques for meeting the challenges and stressful situations supervisers face on a daily basis. Major topics include how to: * get maximum dedication and productivity from employees * improve results of poor performers and discipline or fire them when necessary * deal with union and EEO issues * cut through the red tape of government employment systems For managers frustrated by government bureaucracy, this book lets them know they have more power than they may think.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 26, 2007

About the author

Stewart Liff was born in Flushing, New York in 1951 and moved to Santa Clarita, California in 1994. A classically trained artist, he worked for the Federal government for 32 years, where he led several transformation efforts. One of them led to Vice President Al Gore presenting his office with his first Hammer Award for reinventing government. The second effort resulted in his office winning OPM's prestigious PILLAR (Performance Incentives Leadership Linked to Achieving Results) Award. He has written six books, four on managing in government, one on visual management and his most recent book, A Team of Leaders, with Paul Gustavson, which was recently named one of the 30 best books of 2014 by Soundview Executive Book Summaries.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today, 21 May I finished my second book by Stewart Liff. This one is titled: Managing Government Employees (2007©). It was Mr. Liff’s first book, so I’ve actually read them out of sequence. This book was easily on a par with my last reading (Managing Your Government Career). In fact, I’d say it was better in some ways because it gave more specific information. Whereas the earlier reading was really for all government employees, this is more to the needs of folks in supervisory and management positions. Again, I would highly recommend this work to any and all government leadership. Between the two works, I am more and more convinced I need to get some time in Labor and Employee Relations and then get a detail out in the field. There is NO substitute for program time if you want to get ahead in the government.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough guide to managing a government agency

Even within the labyrinth of a government agency, a good manager can inspire people and get great results. Stewart Liff draws on his 32-year government career to show you how to increase the productivity of your government agency or organization. For instance, he explains how managers’ fear of taking decisive action can cause government inefficiencies, particularly in maintaining a responsive workforce. Liff provides detailed descriptions of typical employment challenges and offers resolutions gleaned from his considerable experience. His approach enlivens what could easily be a dull lesson, particularly in regard to navigating labor issues. For government professionals in management and human resources, getAbstract recommends this clarifying, nuts-and-bolts guide to managing government employees.

[Alec · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a man recounting his long career as a government supervisor and using his experience to help guide your actions. He has extensive expertise as a government supervisor and gives useful information on how to deal with the challenges of managing government employees.

It is only intended for a specific audience not much use for anyone who does not manage employees or is not going to be managing employees.

[Jack Haefner]

A logical and well-thought out book for managing govt employees. Nothing within these pages is what I'd call a "hot tip." But the problem for most leaders is one of execution. Liff works through the basics and arms the reader with sage wisdom to best care for your employees. Recommend this book for all beginners and new middle level managers.