The aggressive method employed by DOGE is unlikely to enhance the government's productivity.
In a 2025 CPAC appearance, Musk, metaphorically speaking, threatened to "feed USAID into the woodchipper" and eliminate federal agencies. With a borrowed chainsaw, he enthusiastically demonstrated his "chainsaw for bureaucracy." This theatrical display echoed Musk's controversial takeover of Twitter in 2022.
But will Musk's aggressive strategy successfully transform the federal government into an efficient, lean machine? Leadership experts firmly believe that the likelihood is slim.
Navalent co-founder and managing partner Ron Carucci, who has worked with numerous CEOs undergoing transformative changes, commented that if Musk's goal was to leave an organization in disarray, "he's doing a marvelous job."
Cindy Wahler, an executive coach, and leadership expert, emphasized the importance of methodical and reflective research before any restructuring decisions are made. Without proper analysis, organizations risk making sloppy and potentially dangerous errors, as government agencies like those handling the U.S. nuclear arsenal, bird flu outbreak response at USDA, and Ebola prevention at USAID have previously discovered.
Once thorough research has been completed, leaders should then act swiftly, while also being truthful about the reasons for changes and addressing any concerns carefully with compassion. Failure to do so will undermine any restructuring effort.
Musk's recent attempt to order federal workers to submit weekly accomplishments reports, motivating employees to apply for positions with more congenial leadership, has elicited confusion and worries. The mixed messages from actual agency leaders and the ambiguous warning about sensitive information further added to the chaos. This approach, as Wahler pointed out, contrasts sharply with the values of respect and dignity that effective leaders embrace.
Demonstrating humility, even with immense success and influence, is an essential trait of successful leaders. Musk's bravado may be well-received by his Internet-driven following and sessions with former President Trump, but it may prove harmful when it comes to garnering support and trust from those needed to drive meaningful change in the federal government.
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Effective Communication in Organizational Change
Proper communication is vital during organizational change, such as restructuring the federal government. The following strategies should be considered:
- Develop a structured communication plan that addresses the "why" and "what" of the change.
- Start communication early to prevent misinformation and engage stakeholders in the process.
- Customize messages for different groups based on their concerns and needs.
- Use trusted senders for different types of messages.
- Establish a feedback loop to collect stakeholders' opinions and adjust communication as needed.
Research in Organizational Change
- Conduct thorough research to understand the organization's current state and stakeholders' needs.
- Utilize existing change management models and best practices, such as the Prosci ADKAR Model, to guide the change process.
- Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of communication and change strategies through feedback mechanisms. Adjust strategies when necessary.
By following these strategies, organizations can minimize errors during restructuring projects, ensuring a more successful outcome.
Despite Musk's execution of a woodchipper metaphor during his CPAC appearance in 2025, suggesting drastic changes to federal agencies, the business executive's aggressive approach to restructuring government institutions in 2022 remains a contentious issue. Executive coach and leadership expert Cindy Wahler warns that without proper research and considerate communication, missteps could lead to instability, as witnessed in various government agencies handling sensitive tasks, such as USAID during the Ebola prevention period. In the midst of this, Musk's recent directive for federal employees to submit weekly accomplishment reports has invoked confusion and concern, further contributing to the unstable environment.
