Good post.
I agree with most of this, with the following exceptions:
As a general rule, the "best & brightest" don't typically go to work for the Federal Government. I won't bore you with the extensive list of agencies, both state & federal that I've worked with over the years, but that's my observation. On more than one occasion, I've even had California State regulators make comments about the work ethic of the federal staff they have to engage with. I just sat there and nodded. Pissing contests between State & Feds over who has authority were particularly amusing to me.
With regard to the "Type 5 things" comment...I know that's probably uncomfortable for some; however, if you know your job well but can't quickly summarize what you do and how that integrates with the mission of your Corporation/Agency/NGO to spit out 5 meaningful things you did last week, then it suggests to me you're not very competent. Maybe these federal workers have never had the "Whiz Kids" from McKenzie Group or Bain (zero idea about how important specific roles were) come in at the behest of executive management and do this very thing. PLENTY of us in Corporate America have seen this happen and had to do this exact exercise...later to see the jobs combined/eliminated.
Also, I've seen first-hand how performance management, or the lack thereof, occurs at government agencies.
I'm curious about dis-rail as well. Is this like "Duel-Threat Quarterback" or "Could care less"?