Examines the effectiveness of Fed. first-level supervisors and how well agencies select, develop, and manage them. First-line supervisors, as the nexus between gov¿t. policy and action, are critical to productivity, employee engagement, and workplace fairness. Supervisory positions -- even at the first level -- have distinctive responsibilities and skill requirements. Therefore, it is essential that agencies have valid selection criteria and processes, comprehensive training programs, good communication and support networks, and sound accountability mechanisms for their first-level supervisors. In addition, this report recommends specific measures to improve supervisors management and performance. Charts and tables.

This report describes the similarities and differences between 5 U.S.C. par. 4303, and 7513, the two sections of the law that authorize an agency to take an adverse action against a Federal employee for poor performance. In that context, the report addresses the limited ability of the law to address the underlying challenges of a performance-based action. Poor performers are a serious concern for the Federal workforce, and one that the Government has historically had difficulties addressing. However, as this report explains, the biggest obstacle to addressing poor performers in the Federal Government is not created by a statute, but rather is simply a question of how supervisors manage the performance of their employees. Illustrations.

Even the most dedicated, competent government managers can feel overwhelmed when it comes to motivating and managing their employees. And while they strive for excellence in themselves and in their team, many feel that stringent and convoluted regulations mean their hands are tied when it comes to developing their people. but the truth is that with the right strategies and skills, you can inspire superior performance from your employees - both consistently and effectively. Managing Government Employees offers dozens of techniques for meeting the challenges and stressful situations supervisors face on a daily basis. With the same award-winning tactics that he has learned and applied during his years as a manager in various government agencies, Stewart Liff provides the perfect antidote for managers frustrated by government bureaucracy.

Improving how our government works is urgent business for America. In this book experts from the RAND corporation provide practical ways for government to reorganize and restructure, enhance leadership, and create flexible, performance-driven agencies.

Focuses on how leaders can drive employee engagement and increase high performance mgmt.; i.e., the actions leaders from first-line supervisors to exec. can take to facilitate the motivation and commitment of their employees. The effort leaders invest in managing their workforce pays off in substantially higher levels of employee engagement and performance. The recommendations it offers for increasing both engagement and performance can be characterized in three words: communication, connection, and courage. These are the foundation of performance mgmt. -- communicating openly and honestly with employees, connecting with them as people to build good working relationships, and demonstrating the courage to address and resolve problems. Illus.