In this podcast episode, host Roger Christie and guest John McCoy, Senior Account Director for Federal Government at LinkedIn, discuss the use of LinkedIn by public sector leaders. John talks to us about the inner secrets, the tips and tricks and best practices of LinkedIn, and particularly how public sector leaders can use LinkedIn to their advantage.
Propel’s upcoming The Digital Reputation Report | Public Sector Edition 2023 focuses on how our most senior public servants use or don’t use LinkedIn as a way to connect, communicate and inspire their audiences. And while we will cover the data points and the examples from this report in another episode, one thing that’s already really clear without getting into the details at all is there’s still plenty of room for growth for our public sector leaders on LinkedIn. So if you’re considering how LinkedIn can work best for you, how to do it, what leaders stand to gain when they do, and some of the best practice examples they can model off, this episode is for you. Tune in below to hear more!
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ROGER CHRISTIE & JOHN McCOY: LinkedIn & the public sector.
In this episode, Roger Christie and John McCoy discuss how LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, has seen significant growth and increased activity among public sector leaders in recent years. This growth is a result of various factors, including a shift in the landscape of the LinkedIn network and a change in the demographic makeup of its users.
Traditionally, LinkedIn was seen as a platform primarily for white-collar, corporate professionals in industries such as IT and sales. Public sector leaders, including those in government, often viewed LinkedIn as a platform that was not relevant to their work or were deterred by social media policies that limited their online presence. However, this perception has changed as the LinkedIn network has evolved.
Currently, there are 14 million Australians with LinkedIn profiles, representing a significant portion of the working population. This increase in users has made LinkedIn a more inclusive platform, with colleagues, managers, and potential hires all present on the platform. As a result, public sector leaders have recognised the value of LinkedIn as a tool for connecting, communicating, and inspiring their audiences.
The growth in LinkedIn activity among public sector leaders is evident in the numbers. A recent digital reputation report by Propel revealed that over 7,500 leaders working in federal government had posted on LinkedIn in the last 30 days. This number is expected to continue growing, with projections suggesting that it could reach over 8,000 in the near future.
As John shares, the newfound interest and activity on LinkedIn can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the shift in the LinkedIn network’s landscape has made the platform more accessible and relevant to a wider range of professionals, including those in the public sector. The perception that LinkedIn is only for corporate professionals has been challenged, and public sector leaders have realised that they too can benefit from engaging with the platform.
Additionally, the changing demographic of LinkedIn users has played a role in driving the growth in public sector engagement. With a diverse range of professionals now present on LinkedIn, public sector leaders feel more comfortable and less intimidated by the platform. The increased representation of their colleagues, managers, and potential hires has made LinkedIn a more welcoming space for public sector leaders to connect and share their insights.
The growth in LinkedIn activity among public sector leaders is a positive development. It allows them to leverage the platform’s features and reach a wider audience. By using LinkedIn, public sector leaders can establish their digital reputation, showcase their expertise, and build valuable connections. LinkedIn provides a platform for public sector leaders to engage with their audiences, share insights, and inspire others in their field.
While in this episode Roger and John discuss the growth in LinkedIn activity as specific to the public sector, there are valuable lessons that leaders and advisors outside of the government can learn from this trend. In highly scrutinised or regulated sectors, such as finance or healthcare, LinkedIn can provide a platform for professionals to showcase their expertise and connect with others in their industry. The success of public sector leaders on LinkedIn demonstrates the potential for professionals in other sectors to benefit from active engagement on the platform.
In conclusion, the growth in LinkedIn activity among public sector leaders is a significant development that reflects the changing landscape of the platform and the increasing relevance of LinkedIn for professionals across industries. Public sector leaders have recognised the value of LinkedIn as a tool for connecting, communicating, and inspiring their audiences. As more public sector leaders engage with LinkedIn, they are setting an example for professionals in other sectors to leverage the platform’s features and enhance their digital reputation.
Follow John McCoy: linkedin.com/in/johnwmccoy
Follow Roger Christie: linkedin.com/in/rogerchristie
CONTINUE LISTENING: Recommended public sector conversations
