Over the last decade or so of my toiling away in the government online world, I’ve often joked about the need for web champions to don capes and prowl the halls bringing attention to the potential of the web and the ‘super’ people bringing our sites to life.
My thinking has evolved. Gone are my longing for capes – it’s now time for the pace bunnies! The gun’s been fired and departmental wikis, internal blogs and online communities are all off and running. Settle in folks, this is a long marathon, not a sprint.
There are some who were already out on the course when these tools appeared at work. Others are happy to try and keep pace and improve along the way while some will forever be trailing behind.
Now, I’m neither an expert nor an early adopter – I have labelled myself as a “utility adopter.” I’m in it for the long haul but still look to those setting the pace up ahead to keep me in the pack.
Through my use and championing of our internal blog, which serves as a litmus test for our readiness to share, other teams have asked that I share my experience and help show them how these tools might help their work, which I’m happy to do.
It all boils down to the same thing – know your audience. I won’t grow frustrated with those lacing up their shoes for the first time, it’s a refreshing jog for me and I always learn something. I’m energized by those ready to speed up a little bit and really test the road. And for those who are ready to leave the pack, I’ll likely point them to the pace bunny ahead and wish them well.
Are you a pace bunny or do you need one?
Onward,
M.
May 21, 2010 at 11:03 am
What I love about this perspective is that it can help do away with the ridiculous label of “social media guru” or “expert”. We all have different levels of knowledge, different speeds at which we adopt to change. Followers of one pace bunny can also be leaders for others. No gurus, just all of us up and running, learning and teaching. Great post, Martha!
May 21, 2010 at 11:11 am
Hi Tariq,
Thanks very much and for your additional comments. Gurus and experts be gone – hello bunnies ;)
M.
May 21, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Great post Martha!
“Utility adopter” is a neat term that accurately describes what some should work towards. Blind application of popular tools and trends may have a high opportunity cost.
May 21, 2010 at 12:37 pm
I’d be much more apt to accept the role of pace bunny (and attribute that role to others) than to envision any of us as larger-than-life heroes. To imagine that some of us possess “super” powers while others must follow, or be swept up in the wake really reinforces a hierarchical arrangement that is the antithesis of the collaborative environment we should be striving for.
I’m reminded of a Monty Python sketch (truly some of the best philosophy and social commentary of the 20th century) where the entire population dressed in Superman costumes. This is almost what I picture when I think of us. We all wear capes, but of a different colour and texture. We’re all capable of contributing something — knowledge, experience, insight, perspective, a special skill — that can benefit us as a whole. Social media tools can help facilitate this, but ultimately it’s important that each of us recognize our own gift(s), and unleash real power by combining it with the gifts of others.
Thanks for writing this. I’m always energized by your blog.
May 25, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Todd –
Leave it to you! I’ve long wondered why we in the government don’t rely more on the insights of Monty Python ;)
I appreciate your comment and kind words, especially coming from a blog energizer!
M.
May 22, 2010 at 10:06 am
This is exactly how I feel Martha, thank you!
For me, participating with experts, gurus, inventors, invigorators!, is a great experience but intimidating so I find myself less likely to do it regularly. Moreso, it’s even harder to bring “home” the guru energy to an environment that is nowhere near the same level of readiness or is reluctant to new ideas, knowledge, technology, tools.
There is a balance between the vigour of trailblazers and reluctance of the rest. That is exactly the Pace Bunny – some bunnies at the front, some bunnies in the middle, some bunnies at the back. There is experience, knowledge, and improvement!, to be made all along the way.
Thank you. You definitely have rockets in your sneakers.
May 25, 2010 at 3:41 pm
I loved this post so much that I created some GCPEDIA Pace Bunny badges. Check it out:
http://www.gcpedia.gc.ca/wiki/User:Cedgell/pacebunny
May 25, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Chelsea,
Don the bunny ears girl, that’s some quick work on the pace bunny badge!
Thanks
M.
May 26, 2010 at 8:32 am
Very cool. Added.
July 19, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Tracks. Courses. Routes. Hmmm… maybe pace setters and bunnies are not what we think they are?! da da dahhhhH! *smash gong*
I think Gov 2.0 or whatever is like a forest, not a race. Many different creatures all running about, developing different ecologies, exploring different places, setting up different tree forts and bunkers. Sharing and knowing your audience.
Here’s what I saw and here’s what I’m seeing. Pretty standard stuff.
July 22, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Hey Morgan,
Bunnies live in the forest don’t they? ;)
Whether it be a race, marathon, adventure, I think a case could still be made for having someone there to guide, coach, mentor etc.
M.
July 19, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Although I love the idea of a pace bunny as opposed to the “guru” mentality, I relate more to @mpeers metaphor of a forest where all the creatures are developing what will work best for their particular ecology. Great post! Lots of things to think on …
July 22, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Hi Julie,
Thanks. Can’t argue with you there. Given the post was inspired by the timing of the Ottawa Marathon I’m willing to wager the metaphor could easily apply to any number of events. The City Chase just took place, I should rethink the Urban Raccoon? ;)
Thanks for the comment.