This feels like such a cliched topic for an article, but the beginning of the year is the right time to think about what we should be focusing on as communications professionals. It’s the time many of us turn our minds to what the year will hold. Here are my thoughts on where those of us working in government should put our efforts this year.
Trends in government communications in 2019
January 21, 2019
Setting work goals for 2019
It’s time. Were you a bit unmotivated at work towards the end of last year? Did you come back this year and not feel ready to face it all again? Then it is time for a change. It is time…
Why it is important to take a break
Many public servants in Canberra are lucky enough to get Christmas Shutdown, time off between Christmas and new year. Some have taken some extra time to extend their time out of the office. Others are already planning what they will…
Time to celebrate
How many Christmas parties have you been to already? One too many? While they can be a bit awkward or tedious, they are a nice opportunity to take time out with your colleagues and celebrate the year that was. What…
ahhh the “quiet period”
It is that time of year when everyone talks about the “quiet period”, long lunches, early days, parliament isn’t sitting, meetings are coming to an end. It’s December in Canberra. Not everyone is this lucky, I know when I was…
Making evaluation easy
November is measurement month #aemcmm. Measurement month is a global campaign by the International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communications (AEMC) that highlights the value of measurement in communications. A few months ago I wrote about the importance of…
Why old school strategy is the answer to social media woes
I have spent a lot of time over the last few weeks looking at a client’s social media content. They just want it to be easier and better. It is something a lot of organisations are trying to achieve. I…
Find what you love – lessons from someone who walked away from the APS
I was told I was brave. I was bold. What I felt was scared. Terrified. A little bit stupid. When I left my secure, well-paying public service job and started my own small business I am sure behind my back…
FAQs are so last year
This is a topic I am weirdly passionate about. FAQs (and factsheets for that matter) are dead people. It’s time to move on. There seems to be an enduring perception that publishing a factsheet or a set of FAQs on…
Why is self-doubt so prevalent in communications?
I have never met a group of professionals more riddled with self-doubt than communications practitioners. I admit it I am one of them. My name is Melanie, and I doubt myself. Often. I have a million examples of this. When…
I challenge you to be a great leader
A few weeks ago, I wrote about what makes an effective team, but let’s be honest a team is only as good as their leadership. Without a great leader a really motivated and effective team, can become disheartened and disengaged…