Cabinet-level Blogging
I was impressed by an NPR story featuring Secretary Mike Leavitt of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In the very hostile climate of government agencies where it seems that even the smallest offensive statement can spark an uprising and firing overnight, Leavitt is seeking a communication venue outside the norm for Washington. Leavitt authors a blog, found online at secretary.hhs.gov.
“I hope people have more access to me and what I’m thinking,” says Leavitt in his interview with NPR, “I can point to two or three occasions now where ideas I’ve picked up reading in a blog have led to, at least, conversations in my office and in one case a change in direction.”
When so much of what we read and hear from our leaders is delivered through carefully tailored press releases and public relations personnel, it is a notable change to read directly from the Secretary’s own writing. Leavitt notes that he writes the postings himself. “I want to maintain my postings as a personal writing”
“I don’t know that there’s ever been a cabinet secretary that’s blogged before. Maybe I can be the pioneer.”
What audiences would enjoy hearing more directly from your own writing?
Hear the rest of the interview online at NRP.org.
