Struggling to apply conventional leadership guidance amid Trump's administration's transformative reshaping
In the midst of uncertainty under the Trump administration, a webinar on May 6 aimed to provide guidance for leaders on how to help their teams navigate the challenging times. Organised by Leadership Connect and the National Academy of Public Administration, the discussion highlighted the importance of empathy in public sector leadership.
One of the panelists, Julia D. Novak, head of the International City/County Management Association, emphasised the need for public sector leaders to "lead with empathy" through change. Novak also underscored the importance of public sector leaders providing services during change, stressing the need to continue serving the public despite the challenges.
During the webinar, Novak suggested that saying words that people are thinking but are afraid to say can help employees feel less alone during uncertain times. She also emphasised the importance of acknowledging discomfort, owning one's own level of discomfort, and putting oneself in employees' shoes to lower the temperature in the room and allow employees to feel supported.
Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., while speaking to laid off federal employees who were protesting at the Capitol on May 6, encouraged federal managers to check in on their employees and make sure they know their workplace rights. Stansbury expressed concern about the lack of communication from the start of Trump's second term, stating, "I'm hearing from federal workers in my district who say their managers aren't even talking to them right now because they don't have any information and they're scared."
Some federal employees have reported receiving multiple emails urging them to accept a separation incentive. This, combined with the prospect of mass layoffs, has led to concerns among employees. One USDA worker characterised the reversal of plans to leave federal service as "insanity."
The search results do not provide the names of the leaders who participated in the reported webinar and commented on the empathy concept in public administration leadership. However, it is known that an unknown employee's comments, made during the webinar, appeared in the filings of a lawsuit seeking to overturn the firings.
An email from the new Trump-appointed director of the Labor Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs was criticized as "hateful" by one employee. This incident further highlights the need for transparency and clear communication from leadership.
Maria Thompson, a senior government cybersecurity advisor at Amazon Web Services, emphasised the importance of clear and frequent communication. Thompson's sentiments were echoed by other speakers on the panel who also emphasised the need for leaders to be transparent.
Traci DiMartini, the former chief human capital officer for the IRS, believes she was removed from her position partly for mentioning in a meeting that the Office of Personnel Management had directed mass probationary firings across agencies. This incident underscores the potential consequences of speaking out about issues of concern within the federal government.
In conclusion, the webinar served as a timely reminder of the importance of empathy, transparency, and clear communication in public sector leadership. As federal employees face uncertain times, it is crucial for leaders to prioritise these values to help their teams navigate through the challenges ahead.
