Two weeks ago before the Canada/Russia World Junior Semi-Final I was settling in for the game (9 pm EST start time) when I saw this tweet.
any #goc have vpn access and can check something on publiservice for me?
— Nicholas Charney (@nickcharney) January 4, 2012
The following thread ensued.
@Rod_Gallant I literally need a single web page, cut and paste into an email….just don’t have VPN myself =/ — Nicholas Charney (@nickcharney)
@nickcharneyIf needed I can seriously be to the office and back in less than 10 minutes. #nojoke#islandlife
— Rod Gallant (@Rod_Gallant) January 4, 2012
@Rod_Gallant I wouldn’t put that on you brother, but its much appreciated. — Nicholas Charney (@nickcharney)
@nickcharney it’s not a big deal, seriously. I’ll be back soon. Just DM me what you need.
— Rod Gallant (@Rod_Gallant) January 4, 2012
Before puck drop I was able to get to the office, grab my laptop, get back home, find and send Nick what he needed.
Big thanks to @Rod-Gallant who got me what I was looking for. #gocbrotherfromadifferentmother — Nicholas Charney (@nickcharney)
@nickcharney Glad to help Nick….Not just the NHL that can do 24/7!!! #w2p
— Rod Gallant (@Rod_Gallant) January 4, 2012
This interaction speaks volumes for the community that has been built on twitter by government employees. I have no vested interest in what Nick was working on and didn’t even know what it was. But because of my previous interactions with him it was a no-brainer for me to jump in and help out as he’s done for so many others, including me, in the past.
The beauty is that this type of interaction isn’t unique. Day after day I see examples of government employees helping each other out. Social media tools have allowed for the ability to connect day or night and it isn’t because we have to but because we want to, which is a big difference. This is also what I believe will sustain this community and allow it to continue to grow and become stronger.
We all contribute in our own way, make sure you find a way to help out. You’ll be glad you did.
Great anecdote. I like your observation that “it isn’t because we have to but because we want to” that makes the connection valuable. Once you “have” to do something you would otherwise not want to do, it simply becomes another obligation and, while you may participate, it’s unlikely you’ll receive the same value you would from a community that “wants” to build connections. Probably a point worth considering as organizations determine whether to implement social media and whether to make participation a requirement.
Thanks Steve…I think that the wanting to do it is key and what houses the true potential of this community. Most of us don’t help out in these situations because of the have to, but because of the want factor.