I’ve only been tweeting since February, but I’ve already found that one social media minute can provide a laugh or a tear, teach me something new or let me share my thoughts and knowledge with others. Virtually every thought I have, I find that somebody has explained it better than I could.
There’s a small nucleus of innovators, radical transformers and creators in government. Modern public servants have to be nimble and more responsive; they should be gathering views to formulate policy or service design, or deliver services in more creative and innovative ways.
It will be a while before this becomes the norm, but there’s a lot going on to encourage more public servants to use social media. I recently created a quick survey, which had over 100 responses, to collate views on why civil servants like to use social media. Based on the survey and my own experiences, here are seven reasons why I would encourage public servants to use social media, along with some advice on how to do it.
1. It’s easy to get started
My social media skills are still limited but the more effort I put in the better the outcomes, and it doesn’t take long to get the hang of it. Digital tools are usually very accessible and designed to be easy to use. This guide by Mashable on how to get started on Twitter is very comprehensive and the Government Digital Service’s guide to free internet tools is also useful.
2. It’s instant
I promoted my survey via Twitter, and within a day 800 people had viewed it. Just a few minutes on social media can provide access to hundreds or even thousands of people. There are digital tools that record and analyse results; the days of collating and re-keying paper survey results are thankfully over. And for Twitter, the character restriction makes you think about what you really want to say, which is a time-saver for everyone.
3. It allows you to reach your audience
We want services that citizens like to use, and the best thing to do is to ask them what they want. Just ask questions and see what comes back. Searching a hashtag on Twitter for things you’re working on or interested in reveals relevant results and the people behind them. As one of the survey respondents, “It has that ripple effect we all strive for and can help you connect with those who previously seemed beyond reach.”
4. It breaks down boundaries and hierarchies
“It’s a vehicle to communicate outside boring rules,” said one respondent. Social media cuts across traditional silos, making projects or themes more open and accessible. In government, for example, in moments we can access similar activities other civil service departments are doing and the people behind them. Social media is non-hierarchical: it doesn’t worry about geographical location, job title or government department. Innovators, according to one of the most inspiring public sector radicals @helenbevan, are often on the edge of organisations not in traditional, powerful positions.
5. It creates a buzz around events
Twitter can hugely enhance how people experience an event. Attendees can ask questions, quote and connect with speakers, provide instant feedback and maintain connections afterwards. A seat at a conference can be fed back in real time to your colleagues to share the benefits. This advice from @kristencurtiss on building engagement at an event is great.
6. It’s a gateway to all kinds of information
From motivational blogs and leadership tips to things you’ve never even thought of, there are heaps of articles out there that can provide new information or a different perspective – and social media is the place to find them. Finding and sharing this kind of content benefits you, your team and your networks. But don’t just put things out there: actively listen and embrace others’ views.
7. It’s heartwarming
If you are authentic, and share a part of yourself on social media, you become more accessible. Celebrating success publicly – which often happens via Twitter – provides an instant hit of pride for people, especially when senior leaders share good examples. Public compliments are great leadership tools that encourage and recognise the efforts of teams, and promote a great working culture.
John Fitzpatrick is digital delivery manager at the Department for Work and Pensions. He tweets at @Fitzdigitaldwp
This is part of our social media week, from 23 to 29 November. We will have lots of content about the challenges and benefits of using social networks at work in the public sector, as well as tips to get started and get ahead. Join the debate via @Guardianpublic
Read more in the series
• How to use social media at work in the public sector – livechat
• Think before you tweet: a lawyers’ guide to using social media at work
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