on work ethics and accountability

After sitting through the torture that is NSPS training, my co-workers learned some things about me and I learned some lessons (or maybe was just reminded about old lessons) on human nature.
Growing up, I had always heard that government employees made a lot of money. Of course, it was really just in comparison to what my family had. I knew we didn't have much and so did not think too much about it. Now that I am older and see exactly what government employees make, I am amazed - truly! What amazes me even more are the complaints. I believe whole-heartedly in the concept of an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. My personal opinion is that for the type and amount of work required, the government is more than fair (quite liberal, actually). What my co-workers quickly learned about me is that I would make a very tough supervisor. I do not expect any more from others than I expect from myself. I think that people who go above and beyond definitely deserve to be recognized, but I do NOT believe in patting people on the back for doing what is expected of them! In school, I often got perfect attendance awards... I always thought that was dumb. I rarely get sick... so I should be praised for going to school when I am in perfect health?! I still feel the same. I come into work every day and do the work I am paid to do. I do NOT expect recognition for that! I don't know... I just don't get it. =/
What I observed in the classroom setting today is that people do not want to be accountable to others. They want to be recognized and rewarded, but on their own terms. Don't they realize that accountability only hurts the slackers? Or maybe that is the problem... they know themselves better than anyone (just a thought...). I'm beginning to wonder if our society has focused so much on ego self esteem to the detriment of self-respect and a strong work ethic. We can't even handle criticism. If the truth hurts we don't want to hear it. And if if is going to negatively affect our paychecks, we want nothing to do with it.
When the class was over, I was rather annoyed with the fact that I had wasted two days and learned nothing new, but more than that, I was disappointed in what I saw in my fellow classmates. What ever happened to the days of having to prove oneself... of working hard for one's paycheck, and competing (in a good, capitalist kind of way) for promotions and such?