Don't jeopardize vital services, but change the workflow. Carve out time every day for teamwork on change. Give employees the tools, training, and freedom to act, take risks and succeed. Then challenge them to eliminate waste, raise quality, add value, and upgrade customer service. Honor good ideas, regardless of source.
Democracy can be a bit scary.
Together, they are helping diminish an age-old conflict between US business, which has valued princes more than people, and the US heritage, which values people more than princes. Management trends and employee pressure to learn and contribute are on your side. When management provides a mission, a torchbearer and a framework for success, employees often rise to the occasion. So don't give up. Even Machiavelli says that his rules for survival of princes don't apply in a republic .