“We don’t need a President-For-Life when we have a Bureaucracy-For-Life.”
Mark Steyn
Like politicians, bureaucrats should be term limited. Five years in one position/location, then transfer to another equal position (or earned promotion) elsewhere in the system. Keep them moving around so they can't establish their little fiefdoms. The cream will rise to the top as those smart, dedicated and flexible will have little trouble adjusting from a position at one bureau or another. The semi-able and useless (most of them) will out themselves and be "encouraged" to take early retirement.