Top 10 stories on Apolitical in 2020

As 2020 nears an end, read the most viewed stories on Apolitical this year.

Wellbeing proved to be popular as the pandemic raged, upsetting normal routines in our professional and home lives. But despite the challenges, public servants kept learning even in difficult circumstances. Resources and tips for professional development remain a permanent fixture in our top ten.

Get a rundown on stories you might’ve missed or stories you’ve read but are worth reading revisiting.

As always, if you have a pitch or a story you’d like to tell, we’d love to hear about in 2021, email us at: anders.broend@apolitical.co and see our writing tips for new contributors.

1. The digital government atlas 2.0: the world's best tools and resources: The digital government atlas has over 100 free resources to help you launch a digital revolution. Dive into digital guides from governments across the world, explore newsletters, and gain skills with these tools and toolkits. APOLITICAL

2. Public servants are tired of change-washing — not change: Public servants are tired of small tweaks and want big reforms. Acknowledging that two types of change exist could help achieve what you want. THEA SNOW, NESTA

3. Five fun exercises to rev up your team’s creativity: On the hunt for innovative ideas? These group exercises will boost your team’s creativity. From artwork to sales pitches, learn how games can warm up your brain. SCOTT EDWARDS, GOVERNMENT OF MANITOBA

4. Three templates to land your dream job in the public service: We’ve got you covered with these CV, personal statement, and interview answer templates – all created with public servants to help you succeed. APOLITICAL

5. Six things public servants need most during Covid-19: We asked 750 public servants across 52 countries what would help them deal with the crisis. Across the survey responses, these six things consistently emerged, from mental health to the need for rapid digitisation — as what public servants most need. APOLITICAL

6. Career advice from an introvert: Tips from a shy public servant on how to advance your career. Here’s how to grab opportunities without compromising your personality. RELL DESHAW, GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

7. Why you should put self-care before public service: Public servants, it’s time to start putting yourselves first. The idea that government workers should sacrifice their wellbeing for the sake of the public is a myth — here are five ways to practise self-care in government. FIONA MCLAUGHLIN, IDA IRELAND

8. My wellbeing journey: Is work getting you down? Try these ten tips. From having five minutes of quiet time a day to introducing wellbeing check-ins at work, one public servant shares what he’s learned from his struggles with mental health. SIMON SKERRITT, UK GOVERNMENT

9. How to present with confidence: Here are nine tips to help public servants present with confidence. From stakeholder mapping to breathing techniques, practice and preparation are key. ABDUL MUKTADIR, REDBRIDGE COUNCIL

10. How to use Liberating Structures to transform your meetings: Tired of pointless meetings? Try Liberating Structures. The 33 techniques could save you and your colleagues from a lifetime of bad meetings. SCOTT SEAWARD, UK OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS

– Amelia Axelsen and Anna Goulden

(Picture credit: Pixabay).