Ask Bob

Communication Strategies, Tips, Pointers and Traps

April 2022

A member who took a public sector job during the pandemic sent in this month’s question. As someone who has worked in a high profile government position, her question illustrates the challenges that come from a job in which many people want a piece of you in all hours of the day and night. If you have a question or a topic, just send me at note at [email protected]

My private life has changed since becoming a government official. I feel like I am under a public microscope. How can I be myself and protect my image and that of my employer?

Our bosses and their bosses expect quick responses whenever they ping you with an email or text. And, during a crisis like the pandemic, the pressure only intensifies. In the need to respond quickly, we need to be sure to always be aware of not letting our emotions intrude into our work.

For public officials, there is no such thing as being anonymous. Anyone who has given a television or radio interview or been quoted in the paper has a greater chance that, suddenly, everyone we meet (or so it seems) has seen us and knows us. If we do something embarrassing, that has a good chance of being posted online and shared by others. We can’t prevent what others do, but we can work to avoid giving them anything worth sharing.

Understanding this, we need to know the reporters, news outlets, blogs and the social media personalities who cover us. We especially need to be aware of those who are mostly likely to try and get us caught in a situation, innocent or otherwise, that could paint us in an unfavorable light or lead to personal attacks online. Be super vigilant when responding to their inquiries, but don’t ignore since that will only drive them to be more aggressive.

We also need to be just as intentional in protecting our privacy. Whether we are out with friends or family or running an errand, people recognize us … and everyone has a digital camera these days. We cannot be the person who is publicly talking about the importance of wearing a mask, then get photographed without one. Everything we do outside of our homes is subject to being caught on camera or video. In a matter of seconds it can be online for the world to see and post commentary.

Another example … we also don’t have the luxury of being anonymous when something happens that can cause a disagreement in public, or (because calls are recorded) arguing with a customer service tech. Posted online or shared with a reporter, our basic human interactions can be interpreted by others to be questionable when there is no context for the interaction. Be just as careful with emails and texts as they can easily be leaked or they can be made public via a public records inquiry.

What can you do? In a public position, we need not to draw undue attention to ourselves. Everything we do is subject to public scrutiny and criticism. Although most of us will never have a stage as large as the Oscars, the Will Smith situation is a great and timely example of a split second decision traveling around the world in seconds and leaving lasting damage.

We must manage our public persona at all times, even on nights and weekends, to keep from having one instance that causes lasting damage to ourselves and to the organizations we represent.