6:39 am - February 24, 2025
Elon Musk’s Leadership Approach: From Twitter to the Federal Government
Elon Musk’s management style, as observed during his takeover of Twitter (now rebranded as X), offers insights into his approach to leading the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Known for his aggressive cost-cutting measures and push for extreme efficiency, Musk brought significant changes to Twitter, which now seem to be replicated in his handling of federal operations. This article delves into the parallels between Musk’s strategies at Twitter and his current actions in government, highlighting the challenges and implications for federal workers.
Musk’s tenure at Twitter was marked by dramatic changes, including rapid layoffs and the imposition of stringent work conditions. Shortly after acquiring Twitter, Musk dismissed top executives and laid off approximately 3,500 employees, reducing the workforce by nearly half. Eventually, he cut 80% of the staff, enforced a return-to-office policy, and demanded long working hours. These actions were part of Musk’s broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs, which he believed were essential for the platform’s survival and success. However, this approach led to chaos and confusion among employees and raised concerns about the long-term health of the company.
Similar strategies are now being implemented in the federal government under DOGE. Musk has been involved in efforts to slash budgets, with agencies like the United States Agency for International Development facing potential shutdown. Reports indicate that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has been instructed to prepare for up to a 70% reduction in its workforce, while the General Services Administration has been tasked with cutting business expenses by 50%. These moves have drawn comparisons to Musk’s actions at Twitter, where he prioritized cost-cutting over employee welfare and institutional knowledge.
The impact of Musk’s approach on federal workers is significant. Employees have been given an ultimatum: commit to the new administration’s demands, which include being "reliable, loyal, trustworthy," or resign and accept a buyout. However, the terms of the buyout are uncertain, with questions about whether the government can guarantee payments through September, given the lack of congressional approval and potential legal challenges. Additionally, workers who accept the buyout may be required to continue working until September, and those who resign may face legal obstacles when seeking new employment while still on the government payroll.
The consequences of Musk’s leadership style are not limited to immediate job losses. His disregard for regulations and established procedures has led to legal challenges and operational disruptions. At Twitter, Musk’s decisions, such as shutting down a data center on short notice, resulted in technical glitches and outages. Similarly, in the federal government, his actions have raised concerns about the legality of agency closures and the protection of employee data. Lawsuits have already been filed challenging the legitimacy of DOGE’s actions, and more are expected as the situation unfolds.
The experiences of former Twitter employees offer valuable lessons for federal workers navigating Musk’s leadership. Many employees who were laid off or left the company after Musk’s takeover pursued legal action, alleging that they were not provided with the severance payments they were promised. While some cases are still unresolved, the challenges faced by these individuals highlight the importance of vigilance and preparedness. Attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan, who represents thousands of former Twitter employees, advises federal workers to carefully consider their options and be aware of the potential legal implications of the administration’s demands.
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s leadership approach, as demonstrated at Twitter and now in the federal government, is characterized by aggressive cost-cutting, a disregard for established procedures, and a focus on immediate results. While this style may achieve short-term goals, it often leads to long-term challenges and disruptions. Federal workers would do well to learn from the experiences of their counterparts at Twitter, staying informed, seeking legal advice when necessary, and advocating for their rights in the face of uncertain and potentially volatile changes. As the situation continues to unfold, the lessons from Twitter serve as a cautionary tale for those navigating the uncharted territory of Musk’s leadership in the public sector.