The Westminster Tradition DOGE or GROSS (Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff) 😩: the touchy subject of efficiency in the public service
Apr 28, 2025
Explore the intriguing concept of efficiency in public service, challenging traditional austerity approaches. Delve into the balance needed for budget management and the cultural defensiveness that hinders reform. Discover how attrition affects staffing and efficiency, and analyze the disconnect in resource allocation within agencies. The evolving role of unions amidst budget cuts and the need for strategic adaptation also come into play. Finally, confront the complex narratives surrounding government budgets and the imperative for clear communication in navigating efficiency.
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Stop Stupid Public Service Tasks
- Ask what processes or tasks are stupid and could be stopped instead of focusing blindly on cuts.
- Foster a culture where stopping inefficient or legacy activities is safe and encouraged.
Differentiating Functions from Processes
- People readily identify inefficient processes but get defensive when their core function is questioned.
- Business continuity plans reveal which functions are truly critical vs. those that could withstand interruption.
Frontline vs Back Office Myth
- The frontline vs back office split oversimplifies and wrongly undervalues back office roles.
- Essential support functions enable frontline staff to perform, and trimming them can backfire.
