The private sector is set up to offer performers opportunities, the private sector is a different monster entirely. I see individuals excelling in the private sector, I also see talented, but ethical individuals going nowhere in the public sector. This is the culture of the organisation, the culture requires talented individuals with drive to question their decision to join government institutions and I think it is fair enough. The old rule of talent moving to the private sector and plodders moving into government still holds true.

Not only is remuneration better with salary, bonus and conditions, it allows the motivated to excel. In comparison, the sheltered workshop attitude of the government reinforces the differences between private enterprise, with the emphasis on enterprise and government employees dragging the chain around. The term leadership is bandied around, I really don’t see a lot of leadership in government organisations, I do see a lot of toxic behaviour though. 

So, where does this leave us? How does government businesses become more competitive? It starts at the management level, the performance management process is the foundation of exacting workplace performance. The non-performers need to be exposed, they need to be evaluated and feel the pressure to perform, if not, maybe it is time to move them on. Naturally, they need to be given the opportunity to improve, but if not, then find someone who will.