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GovChat1: Customer Service in the Public Service
Transcript of GovChat with Wendi Brick - February 2, 2011

All times are Eastern Standard Time
 
February 2, 2011
8:00 pm thomkearney: Welcome to our inaugural #GovChat I am your moderator @thomkearney. Thanks for joining us this evening!
8:00 pm thomkearney: Our goal at #GovChat is to stimulate conversations with thought leaders on how we can work together to make governments better.
8:00 pm thomkearney: As we add them, the schedule for future chats and transcripts will be available for you at http://www.psleader.org/govchat/ #govchat
8:01 pm thomkearney: I am here with @PS_leader aka @JeffAshcroft and our special guest Wendi Brick @TheCSAedge #GovChat
8:01 pm PS_leader: RT @thomkearney: Welcome to our inaugural #GovChat I am your moderator @thomkearney. Thanks for joining us this evening!
8:01 pm PS_leader: RT @thomkearney: Our goal at #GovChat is to stimulate conversations with thought leaders on how we can work together to make governments better.
8:01 pm thomkearney: Wendi is the author of The Science of Service: Six Essential Elements for Creating a Culture of Service in the Public Sector #govchat
8:02 pm thomkearney: Not surprisingly, our topic this evening will be How to Create a Culture of Service in the Public Sector. #govchat
8:02 pm thomkearney: To chat, simply use the hashtag #GovChat to be included in #GovChat transcript! You can also follow the chat at http://wthashtag.com/govchat
8:03 pm theCSAedge: Hi all, happy to be here! #govchat
8:04 pm thomkearney: Wendi started her career working for the County of San Diego as a student intern after college #GovChat
8:04 pm thomkearney: The County of San Diego County has a population of about 3 million. #GovChat
8:04 pm spydergrrl: RT @thomkearney: To chat, simply use the hashtag #GovChat to be included in #GovChat transcript! Follow chat at http://wthashtag.com/govchat
8:04 pm thomkearney: After 9 years on the front line, she was appointed Customer Service Manager for the County of San Diego, #GovChat
8:04 pm PS_leader: RT @theCSAedge: Hi all, happy to be here! #govchat
8:04 pm thomkearney: In 2006 she became the Director of Customer Service for the City of San Diego #GovChat
8:05 pm thomkearney: After 20 years in the public sector she struck out on her own and started http://www.thecsaedge.com/ #GovChat
8:05 pm thomkearney: And of course in December her first book The Science of Service was released and you can see an excerpt here http://bit.ly/ibC7MJ #govchat
8:05 pm thomkearney: So please join me in welcoming Wendi Brick @TheCSAedge as our inaugural #GovChat SPECIAL guest. Cheers!
8:05 pm LeadershipAgent: RT @spydergrrl: 8:00EST Customer Service in Public Service is not an Oxymoron @PS_leader #GovChat with @ThomKearney & Wendi Brick http://bit.ly/GovChat
8:08 pm thomkearney: To get things rolling & the conversation started I have a few questions for Wendi on tonite 's topic! #GovChat
8:09 pm thomkearney: And of course, tweetchats are meant to be interactive, so feel free to intersperse your ideas & opinions on our topic #GovChat
8:09 pm LeadershipAgent: RT @thomkearney: So please join me in welcoming Wendi Brick @TheCSAedge as our inaugural #GovChat SPECIAL guest. Cheers!
8:09 pm ampli2de: Hello #govchat, the book excerpt link doesn't seem functional from here :O)
8:09 pm thomkearney: OK, first question for you Wendi, can you please tell us why you decided to write this book? #GovChat
8:10 pm theCSAedge: After 13 years implementing these techniques as a government employee, I wanted to share them with other agencies #GovChat #govchat
8:10 pm theCSAedge: This book is intended to be a blue print and resource for any person or organization that provides services to the public #GovChat #govchat
8:10 pm theCSAedge: It 's different from other books on customer service because it focuses on government, and what will really work #GovChat #govchat
8:11 pm theCSAedge: It has practical solutions written by a former government employee &includes helpful tips and techniques for success #GovChat #govchat
8:12 pm LeadershipAgent: RT @theCSAedge: Hi all, happy to be here! #govchat
8:13 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney http://www.thecsaedge.com/documents/ScienceofService_Excerpt.pdf #govchat
8:13 pm thomkearney: Please tell us a little about the theme of the book and what impact you hope it will have #GovChat
8:13 pm theCSAedge: The theme is that we are the change we want to see in the world #GovChat #govchat
8:14 pm theCSAedge: If you believe deeply about being a public servant, you believe the noblest motive is the public good. #GovChat #govchat
8:14 pm theCSAedge: How is it in the best interest of the public that government agencies are often indifferent, confusing, and slow? #GovChat #govchat
8:14 pm theCSAedge: Don 't leave the impressions you and your organization make on people to chance. #GovChat #govchat
8:14 pm theCSAedge: It 's not good enough to hire someone and say Be good at customer service! #GovChat #govchat
8:15 pm theCSAedge: Everyone uses their own filters and thinks great service is a little different. #GovChat #govchat
8:15 pm theCSAedge: Everyone 's a snowflake including our customers.#govchat #govchat
8:15 pm theCSAedge: You can create a system in which your customers receive world-class service regardless of who is providing it. #GovChat #govchat
8:15 pm theCSAedge: Someday I want to be a party and when I say I 'm a public servant, people say #GovChat #govchat
8:16 pm theCSAedge: WOW! the government has such a great reputation for caring, knowledgeable and fast service, I want to work there too! #GovChat #govchat
8:16 pm theCSAedge: That's when we know we've succeeded. #GovChat #govchat
8:17 pm thomkearney: If you had to pull a few of your key messages from the book what would they be? #GovChat
8:17 pm spydergrrl: Sounds almost like a hospitality approach to public service. Customer first, empowering staff to own problems and their solutions? #govchat
8:17 pm PS_leader: RT @LeadershipAgent @theCSAedge .. And what does it take to really work? What kind of leadership? (Just added #GovChat ) =)
8:18 pm theCSAedge: "Give me a lever and a place to stand, I can move the world." The lever is you. #GovChat #govchat
8:18 pm theCSAedge: Second : Service is a science. There are tried and true systems that work. Six Essential Elements to be exact. #GovChat #govchat
8:18 pm theCSAedge: Third - Treat your employees as your first customers, and your employees will take care of your customers #GovChat #govchat
8:19 pm mjmclean: Curious on views of web service as extension of in-person customer service #GovChat
8:19 pm thomkearney: What do Public Service folks need to do to ensure the public does not think Customer Service in the Public Service is an oxymoron? #govchat
8:19 pm mirgray: How do we give people room to bend a room if it leads to a delighted citizen in a rules bound environment? #GovChat
8:20 pm LeadershipAgent: @theCSAedge hiring talented, commited and engaged folks is key, grounded on rock solid values #govchat
8:20 pm theCSAedge: @spydergrrl the Six Essential Elements were a distillation of all great service providers. #govchat #govchat
8:21 pm theCSAedge: @spydergrrl the Elements should be the same across industry types. Applied differently in govt #govchat #govchat
8:21 pm LeadershipAgent: @theCSAedge ... what would be best incentives for managers and teams to outperform? How can we innovate? #govchat
8:21 pm johnverdon: #GovChat do you think that while leadership is important, depending on leadership is vulnerability to the whims of personality?
8:23 pm theCSAedge: @mjmclean A different mode - we have lots. special applications for web #govchat #govchat
8:23 pm MotternGirl: RT @theCSAedge: Give me a lever and a place to stand, I can move the world. The lever is you. #GovChat #govchat
8:23 pm LeadershipAgent: @theCSAedge couldn't agree more ! Then how can we use social media to build a new public service? #govchat
8:23 pm DeborahOMalley: @theCSAedge What is the biggest mentality shift need to achieve this service-oriented approach? #govchat
8:23 pm theCSAedge: @mjmclean a lttle different for phone v. web v. in person v. in writing, etc. Ways to make each customer-focused #govchat #govchat
8:24 pm LeadershipAgent: @theCSAedge ... Employees are your best 'brand' pmbassadors... Support them as your social media stars ! #govchat
8:24 pm theCSAedge: @DeborahOMalley @theCSAedge not us and them. We are them. Put employees in position of customers. #govchat #govchat
8:25 pm spydergrrl: @theCSAedge makes sense to apply elements differently, as long as not too differently. Empowerment is empowerment wherever you are. #govchat
8:25 pm johnverdon: #GovChat when we call for engagement but keep within a frame of management/leadership - doesn't that reduce back to command structure?
8:25 pm MotternGirl: Ha! "@theCSAedge: WOW! the gov't has such a great reputation for caring, knowledgeable, fast service? I want to work there too! #govchat"
8:25 pm theCSAedge: @johnverdon that's what we are trying to eliminate with Essential Element 1 - Written expectations. #govchat #govchat
8:26 pm theCSAedge: @LeadershipAgent @theCSAedge absolutely - hire for attitude, train for technical skill #govchat #govchat
8:27 pm johnverdon: #GovChat if we want to encourage engagement don't we need a better frame for the 'responsible autonomy' that real engagement entails?
8:28 pm spydergrrl: RT @johnverdon: #GovChat if we want to encourage engagement don't we need a better frame for the 'responsible autonomy' that real engagement entails?
8:29 pm johnverdon: #GovChat engagement for empowerment, means responsible autonomy which may entail a 'governance' frame (rules/values) rather than management
8:29 pm LeadershipAgent: @theCSAedge interesting... What 'bout cultural differences? #govchat
8:29 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney What is your reputation made of? Every individual impression you make. #GovChat #govchat
8:30 pm theCSAedge: My goal is that when people see or read a negative story about your organization, they don't agree. #GovChat #govchat
8:30 pm theCSAedge: They think I worked with them last week and they were great. #GovChat #govchat
8:30 pm theCSAedge: That's how we change the reputation of government one person at a time. #GovChat #govchat
8:30 pm BibliophileCAN: RT @theCSAedge: @thomkearney http://www.thecsaedge.com/documents/ScienceofService_Excerpt.pdf #govchat
8:31 pm LeadershipAgent: @theCSAedge @mjmclean #govchat examples? Best practices?
8:31 pm johnverdon: #GovChat Snowden - we know more than we can say & say more than we can write Recent Gartner research 25% of current work is non-routine
8:32 pm spydergrrl: Luvit!! RT @theCSAedge: My goal is that when people see or read a negative story about your organization, they don't agree. #govchat
8:32 pm thomkearney: What role do you think social media will play in changing these attitudes and improving customer service in the public service? #GovChat
8:33 pm theCSAedge: @spydergrrl @theCSAedge absolutely ! A little finesse goes a long way #govchat
8:33 pm theCSAedge: @johnverdon I think it depends on your internal culture. Every agency I work with has a different "flavor" #govchat #govchat
8:33 pm johnverdon: #GovChat by 2015 40% of work is non-routine - how much are we able to write out expectations and for what time period -shelf-life?
8:34 pm PS_leader: @spydergrrl Hmmm... especially relevant when you think about social media listening and customer service strategies n'est pas! #GovChat
8:34 pm theCSAedge: @spydergrrl @theCSAedge Absolutely - It just requires finesse and balance to get it right in new situations #govchat #govchat
8:35 pm theCSAedge: @johnverdon expectations such as "greet people when they walk in" won't change. #govchat #govchat
8:36 pm theCSAedge: @johnverdon basic expectations for making a good impression will stay the same #govchat #govchat
8:36 pm LeadershipAgent: @theCSAedge and @tedcoine together... #custserv ideas... Would be interesting to see what would come out of that ! #govchat @thomkearney
8:36 pm theCSAedge: @johnverdon they are based on human interaction and communications skills - very basic #govchat #govchat
8:36 pm thomkearney: @johnverdon there is a challenge there in creating a "safe" level of autonomy for service folks. #GovChat
8:37 pm spydergrrl: @PS_leader Absolutely. In #SM, Tweets often become truth no matter if unfounded. Need ur community ready to back up ur org. #govchat
8:37 pm theCSAedge: @LeadershipAgent @theCSAedge basic communications, like a smile, are the same. But #govchat #govchat
8:38 pm TrendsOttawa: #govchat is now trending in #Ottawa http://trendsmap.com/ca/ottawa
8:38 pm theCSAedge: @LeadershipAgent @theCSAedge it's very important to train on cultural sensititivites - like eye contact. #govchat #govchat
8:38 pm johnverdon: @theCSAedge #GovChat yes routine, task-simple & assembly line-like work won't change but more & more work is cognitive and non-routine.
8:39 pm spydergrrl: @theCSAedge that's training ppl to recognize opportunities for improving service and going beyond the expected level of delivery. #govchat
8:39 pm DeborahOMalley: #govchat what's the biggest impact social media has had on customer service in the gov't?
8:40 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney We can see by the current events in Egypt that social media is tremendously powerful #GovChat #govchat
8:40 pm LeadershipAgent: @theCSAedge #govchat ... To observe and listen...
8:40 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney So much so, the government there closed down communications! #GovChat #govchat
8:40 pm PS_leader: RT @TrendsOttawa: #govchat is now trending in #Ottawa http://trendsmap.com/ca/ottawa
8:40 pm thomkearney: RT @TrendsOttawa: #govchat is now trending in #Ottawa http://trendsmap.com/ca/ottawa
8:40 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney The biggest advantage to government is obviously during a disaster. #govchat
8:40 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney In 2003 then again in 2007 there were devastating wildfires in San Diego #govchat
8:41 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney If there were instantaneous communications, we could have been even more efficient. #govchat
8:41 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney If there were instantaneous communications,we could have been even more efficient. #govchat
8:42 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney Our biggest challenge is getting people to care enough to follow us every day. #govchat
8:42 pm PS_leader: Hey #Gov20 #w2p #goc3 #goc people of the world! Please join us NOW on inaugural #GovChat Just follow the #GovChat hashtag! Cheers!
8:42 pm LeadershipAgent: @DeborahOMalley any #goc examples? Would argue US is way out there compared to #goc #govchat @theCSAedge @thomkearney
8:42 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney Government usually only gets noticed when something goes wrong #govchat
8:42 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney It's our challenge to be interesting enough to follow, #govchat
8:42 pm theCSAedge: @thomkearney so build your audience to adding value, before you need it. #govchat
8:43 pm mirgray: So should gov agencies have a social media presence 24/7 or business hours only? #GovChat
8:43 pm LeadershipAgent: @theCSAedge @thomkearney #govchat... Provide value... And people will be there...
8:44 pm trifleater: RT @thomkearney: What do Public Service folks need to do to ensure the public does not think Customer Service in the Public Service is an oxymoron? #govchat
8:44 pm spydergrrl: @theCSAedge following success: onus is not on the user to care; but they just can't NOT follow. Demonstrated value is obvious. #govchat
8:45 pm ampli2de: Customer service is an important step, but how do governments provide real value in state-of-the-art self-serve citizen services? #govchat
8:45 pm LeadershipAgent: Need to leave just now to put the kids to sleep... My #custserv call for 2night ! Great talking all #govchat @thomkearney @theCSAedge
8:46 pm theCSAedge: @ampli2de first step - find out what the customer really wants - don't assume #govchat
8:46 pm PS_leader: @spydergrrl Hahaha this probably also explains why reality television has become so popular! #GovChat =)
8:46 pm PS_leader: RT @thomkearney: @LeadershipAgent thanks for joining us. #govchat
8:47 pm theCSAedge: @ampli2de we make the mistake of being "big brother" and assuming we know what's best #govchat
8:47 pm theCSAedge: @ampli2de It's always best to engage the customers and find out from them. Govts often miss the mark here. #govchat
8:47 pm theCSAedge: @spydergrrl @theCSAedge right! onus is on us to provide #govchat
8:48 pm spydergrrl: @PS_leader There's value to reality TV? LMAO #govchat
8:48 pm theCSAedge: @mirgray depends when your customers want to hear from you #govchat
8:48 pm theCSAedge: @mirgray if you have a 24/7 operation, like police and fire, maybe #govchat
8:48 pm PS_leader: @JenButson Hey Jen! You should join us on the first #GovChat trending now in Ottawa!
8:49 pm spydergrrl: @theCSAedge: @ampli2de is right. Being where the user is, not where gov is, is new requirement. Mobile service delivery. #govchat
8:49 pm theCSAedge: @mirgray if it's the library - 3am updates probably not needed #govchat
8:50 pm PS_leader: @spydergrrl Hahahaha ..........NOT! Just talking about the can't not WATCH! Fortunately has never worked on me! #GovChat
8:51 pm mirgray: @theCSAedge #GovChat I was thinking of online support for 24/7 tools (like a self-registration tool). A more info option.
8:52 pm gschaadt: My experience - biggest issue w/ gov customer service is not to the public, but to "internal" customers /clients. Thoughts? #govchat
8:52 pm daveepperly: RT @johnverdon: #GovChat by 2015 40% of work is non-routine - how much are we able to write out expectations and for what time period -shelf-life?
8:52 pm theCSAedge: @mirgray Yes, self serve should be 24/7 - let people do business when they are not at work! #govchat
8:53 pm spydergrrl: @mirgray @theCSAedge & high-quality, usable tools so 24/7 support - while available- not necessary. Good service = invisible #govchat
8:53 pm theCSAedge: @mirgray often we're only open when people can't get to us. interactive apps would be terrific whenever possible #govchat
8:54 pm theCSAedge: @gschaadt Right on target! #govchat
8:54 pm theCSAedge: @gschaadt our customers are "every person, every day" - internal, vendors, colleagues, all of them! #govchat
8:54 pm theCSAedge: @gschaadt no one comes to work and stands in a closet and gets their job done with no interaction #govchat
8:55 pm thomkearney: We are almost out of time. For those of you that are counting, the six essential elements discussed in the book are: #GovChat
8:55 pm thomkearney: 1. Setting Expectations, 2. Training Your Team to Provide Great Service, 3.Empower Your Team #GovChat
8:55 pm theCSAedge: @gschaadt we're a team and rely on eachother - like trapeze artists. #govchat
8:55 pm thomkearney: 4. Measurement & Feedback, 5. Celebrate Success with Employee Recognition Programs, 6. Projects & Process Improvement #GovChat
8:55 pm PS_leader: RT @spydergrrl: @theCSAedge: @ampli2de is right. Being where the user is, not where gov is, is new requirement. Mobile service delivery. #govchat
8:56 pm spydergrrl: RT @johnverdon: #GovChat by 2015 40% of work is non-routine - how much are we able to write out expectations and for what time period -shelf-life?
8:56 pm theCSAedge: @gschaadt Catch your team-mate - focus on internal service excellence! Your colleagues will appreciate it #govchat
8:56 pm mirgray: @theCSAedge Should government agencies respond officially or via all their brand embassadors (i.e. emps) when in news negatively? #GovChat
8:56 pm thomkearney: Copies of the book are available at www.TheScienceOfService.info #GovChat
8:56 pm BibliophileCAN: RT @thomkearney: Copies of the book are available at www.TheScienceOfService.info #GovChat
8:57 pm theCSAedge: @daveepperly @johnverdon it's a continous improvement cycle. I recommend re-visit every 2-3 years. #govchat
8:57 pm spydergrrl: gr8! Worked @ hotel w/forms/prizes for that RT @theCSAedge: @gschaadt Catch your team-mate - focus on internal service excellence! #govchat
8:58 pm theCSAedge: @daveepperly @johnverdon things change quickly - like 3 years ago we didn't need "tweeting" expectations! #govchat
8:59 pm Ms_CL: RT @spydergrrl: gr8! Worked @ hotel w/forms/prizes for that RT @theCSAedge: @gschaadt Catch your team-mate - focus on internal service excellence! #govchat
8:59 pm DeborahOMalley: #govchat Interesting discussion. Thanks to you all!
9:00 pm theCSAedge: @mirgray great policy question. It's an internal decision. Where every I worked, employees could not speak with press #govchat
9:01 pm thomkearney: Thank you all 4 joining us! Your participation & feedback has been overwhelming extra SPECIAL thanks to Wendi Brick @TheCSAedge #GovChat
9:01 pm thomkearney: Join us in 4 weeks for the next #GovChat @daeaves Feel free to make suggestions on future SPECIAL guests and topics, @thomkearney #GovChat
9:01 pm thomkearney: The full transcript of tonight's #GovChat will be posted shortly on the @PS_leader blog http://www.psleader.org
9:01 pm thomkearney: The schedule for future chats and transcripts will be available at http://www.psleader.org/govchat/ #govchat
9:02 pm thomkearney: David blogs about public service renewal and open stuff at http://www.eaves.ca/ #GovChat
9:02 pm thomkearney: Thanks MUCH to all you #GovChat tweeps for joining our first #Govchat ! Have a GREAT night & hope to see you all again next month!
9:02 pm spydergrrl: RT @thomkearney: Thank you all 4 joining us! Your participation & feedback has been overwhelming extra SPECIAL thanks to Wendi Brick @TheCSAedge #GovChat
9:02 pm thomkearney: Follow @PS_Leader to keep up with the latest announcements #GovChat SPECIAL guests, topics and news about #GovChat
9:02 pm thomkearney: Remember to also let us know what special guests and topics you would like to discuss on #GovChat. Thank you and good night.
9:03 pm adrielhampton: @thomkearney congrats on hosting your first #govchat, Thom!
9:04 pm gschaadt: Thanks Wendi! Thanks Thom! Great job. #govchat
9:05 pm thomkearney: @adrielhampton TY Adriel, its easier than what you do every week! #govchat
9:07 pm PS_leader: RT @adrielhampton: @thomkearney congrats on hosting your first #govchat, Thom!
9:07 pm spydergrrl: @thomkearney Congrats! Man did that go by quickly! :) #govchat
9:07 pm gschaadt: And fyi - running 4 windows to follow stream. best to worst: tweetdeck, twitter.com, hootsuite, wthashtag.com. What did ya'll use? #govchat
9:08 pm PS_leader: Thanks everyone for an AWESOME first #GovChat Please join in on March 3rd when the AMAZING David Eaves @daeaves joins us!!
9:09 pm PS_leader: RT @spydergrrl: @thomkearney Congrats! Man did that go by quickly! :) #govchat
9:10 pm PS_leader: RT @gschaadt: Thanks Wendi! Thanks Thom! Great job. #govchat
9:11 pm spydergrrl: RT @theCSAedge: Tweetchat big success! 185 tweets to 24 active participants. Who knows who else was listening?! #govchat