Although I have never crossed paths with Elon Musk and may never do so, if given the opportunity, I would stress the immense potential the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has in uplifting America. It is important for him to understand that if things continue as they are, the future of DOGE is bleak.

My insight comes from years of collaboration with numerous Defense secretaries and top military officials, both in the United States and abroad, on various critical matters. DOGE is heading towards failure due to Musk’s negative public image and his dismissive attitude towards employees, which will undoubtedly fuel resentment and anger among the unemployed and the general public, tarnishing the president’s reputation in the process.

Mocking and discrediting the government for its alleged inefficiencies and corruption only discourages individuals from seeking employment in such an environment. Musk is unknowingly crushing the morale of the workforce. People are the most valuable asset, and they will only offer their best if motivated by positive and visionary leadership.

It is imperative for Musk to engage with government workers and the public to foster collaboration. He could utilize some of the budget savings to support displaced employees in transitioning to new roles, but this might be offset by unemployment insurance payments. A proactive and inclusive approach is needed, similar to how a pro-leadership philosophy in the military yields better outcomes.

To steer DOGE towards success, Musk ought to adhere to Congress’ financial oversight and involvement in the budgeting process due to the evident fiscal gap between expenses and revenues. Seeking inspiration from past transformations in the defense industry, such as company-wide initiatives to optimize cost efficiency, could lead to substantial savings without increasing regulatory red tape.

Revamping DOGE also calls for a strategic review in alignment with the Defense secretary’s stated objectives of deterrence, combat readiness, and victory. Unresolved security challenges, like Russia’s aggression in Ukraine or China’s military expansion, underscore the need for a robust and agile Defense acquisition strategy.

Furthermore, the bureaucratic hurdles in Defense acquisition rules and Pentagon operational procedures need to be addressed promptly. Musk and his team must equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and expertise if they are to navigate the intricacies of government restructuring effectively.

In conclusion, the future of DOGE and, consequently, America’s progress, hinges on Musk’s ability to pivot from aggressive cost-cutting tactics to a holistic strategic vision. Engaging with stakeholders, fostering a culture of innovation, and learning from historical successes and failures will define the success of DOGE under Musk’s leadership.

Harlan Ullman, Ph.D., an esteemed advisor to global leaders and seasoned military veteran, alongside David Richards, co-authors of the upcoming book “The Arc of Failure: Can Decisive Strategic Thinking Transform a Dangerous World,” urges Musk to seize this opportunity and lead DOGE in making a positive impact on America’s governance.