This article is written by Signe Hanson, senior policy analyst at Manitoba Justice.

For many, the New Year represents a symbolic time of personal and professional renewal. After ringing it in on January 1st, we set goals or make promises to ourselves that 2020 will be better than 2019—it is a brand new decade after all.

For public servants, the New Year can be an awkward time. Often, our fiscal and calendar years are not in alignment, taking a greater toll on our productivity than we may realise. How can we genuinely channel "New Year, New Me" vibes in the workplace when entering into the third or even fourth quarter? Or when working on a multi-year project?

While the timing may be awkward, the New Year’s call to action for self-improvement is a great opportunity to reflect on who we are as public servants and how we might be the best versions of ourselves. Here are three ideas to help you kickstart your 2020 as a public servant.

Set an intention

New Years and resolutions often go hand in hand. While it can be an empowering exercise to set firm and measurable personal goals, it can be equally deflating when we struggle or even fail to meet them. Instead, set an intention for the year ahead.

Two years ago, I met with Cordella Friesen, a senior leader in the Manitoba Government’s public service who is also a mentor and friend. It was just after the New Year of 2018 and I was looking for some career advice. New opportunities to work collaboratively across my department were popping up but I was nervous; I wasn’t sure if I should pursue them or how they fit into my overall career trajectory.

In the spirit of the New Year, start off with a clean slate and a clean workspace

In response, she shared with me her practice of setting a New Year’s intention. The intention can be a single word, song or phrase that will guide you over the next twelve months. Her word was leap and I was immediately inspired.

In 2018, I was fearless and in 2019, I was balanced. I leaned into my intentions and they helped me navigate major life changes including completing a Master’s degree, losing my father to suicide, and securing a promotion in a new department. The beauty of an intention is that it provides support, guidance and grounding throughout our personal and professional lives. In 2020, I intend to thrive.

Curate your workspace

Unlike multinational tech companies, the public service is not typically known for its creative workspaces.

While our offices may not have bean bag chairs, they can still be a place of inspiration. As full-time public servants, we will spend most of our waking hours in the office working on complex programs and policies ultimately meant to make a positive impact on the lives of citizens. The space in which we work can impact how well we are able to do our jobs—it’s easy to lose sight of this during the day to day grind.

Generally, public servants have been late to the professional social networking party

In the spirit of the New Year, start off with a clean slate and a clean workspace. Aim for clean surfaces, proper lighting, and the tools you use daily within reach. Your environment shouldn’t feel sterile (unless that’s what you’re into). Make the space your own and add intentional elements that bring you joy and comfort—maybe a framed photograph of your family or friends, an inspirational quote on your bulletin board, a glass jar holding your favorite pens, or even a blanket to keep you warm. The goal is to consciously curate a workspace that can support the best version of yourself.

If you think your workspace needs a deep dive, check out Lean Management’s 5S method or Marie Kondo’ KonMari method, both can be applied in an office setting. Once you’re done, set a daily or weekly calendar reminder to tidy up. After taking the time to curate your space, you’ll want to keep it up.

Meet someone new

The last decade has seen an explosion in connectivity around the world.

Social networking has made it easier than ever to "click and connect". Generally, public servants have been late to the professional social networking party. Fundamentally, online professional profiles challenge the engrained and institutionalised custom of being a faceless and nameless bureaucrat. When used responsibly and thoughtfully, social networking platforms can help you up your professional game.

Public servants around the world are all working on policy problems big and small; from devastating addiction crises to grant program reviews. Regardless of the challenge, most of us have been socialised within our organisations to solve problems in isolation. Imagine the amount of human capital around the world (or even in your own city) being spent working on the exact same issue across public, private, and voluntary sectors. Collaborative approaches to public policy development is the future. You can take your first step by reaching out and meeting someone new.

In 2020, leverage platforms like Apolitical, LinkedIn or even Twitter to connect with your local, national or even global colleagues. Seek out those who might be working in a similar field or on a similar problem and make a meaningful connection. Platforms like Zoom, GoToMeeting and Skype for Business make it possible to meet face-to-face even if you’re continents apart. Be curious and dig deep, you will always come away having learned something new. — Signe Hanson

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