Mind & Media White Papers
A forward-thinking agency, Mind & Media commits itself to keeping pace with the workforce and communications issues unique to government agencies. This online library of white papers, authored by Mind & Media staff, constitutes our ongoing effort to examine these issues at the level of detail they demand and to suggest actionable strategies that will drive effective solutions.
We are pleased to provide you with this access to our expertise and hope it provides valuable insight relevant to the issues with which your agency or organization is contending.
Public Awareness
One-way communication is quickly becoming obsolete – most audiences want to be engaged in a conversation, not just remain passive on the receiving end. This is not to say that traditional media is obsolete. On the contrary, even as new media gains popularity, traditional media remains a vital driver in any well-rounded awareness campaign.
The ultimate goal for any organization should be to use the appropriate blend of media elements to build a community around its messages that invites participation and encourages audience support.
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E-Learning
Approximately 60 percent of federal government workers are expected to retire within the next few years, and 90 percent of senior executives will become eligible for retirement. When they leave, their knowledge leaves – or does it?
As the next generation moves in, it is increasingly critical that the experience and expertise of employees on the way out be captured and then conveyed to the next generation. This initiative cannot wait.
Development of quick, effective training, efficiently and economically delivered using Web-based technology, has the potential to meet this imperative knowledge-transfer need. The keys are understanding how to implement effective e-learning and then determining whether or not e-learning is a good fit for your agency or organization.
Recruiting
Attracting the best and brightest into the government workforce remains a top priority. There is no shortage of opportunity within the government, and given the strong service-oriented disposition of today’s emerging workforce, there is a large pool of eager candidates poised to provide the federal sector with dynamic, forward-thinking professionals. However, there is a shortfall between these ideal employees and the critical opportunities the government needs filled.
The disconnect comes from failing to find these candidates where they congregate, from not using active, participatory outreach methods that engage top talent. Fortunately, these active, participatory methods are readily available thanks to the Internet.
Today’s Web is user-driven, with users controlling the experience. They are accustomed to having a sense of control and interaction with the information. Content that is not compelling and information that does not engage runs the risk of being completely overlooked. Federal organizations and agencies intent on staffing up in the wake of the forthcoming Boomer egress need to recruit and train prospective employees on this interactive, user-driven playing field.