I joined a medium sized engineering/construction firm as VP Finance/Admin
The Controller reported to me, but continued to have a weird loyalty to my predecessor.
The guy's tune changed, when he discovered that there was embezzlement going on previously.
The previous guy was at the least, under suspicion until matters were sorted out. I was new, and free of any suspicion.
So the two of us had a mutual interest. He turned 180 degrees. You couldn't wipe the smile off his face.
Getting people to see mutual interests, is a good method. Even if the interest, is keeping their job.
Seldom do I have sympathy for government workers. hey have to screw up bad, to get the axe.