The design of effective public digital organisations 💪

The design of effective public digital organisations 💪

Society needs effective public organisations, and no organisation can be called effective unless it can also be called digitally effective. In today's digital age, it is crucial for public organisations to adapt and harness the power of technology to better serve the public.

One key aspect of effective public digital organisations is transparency. Public works should be equally (if not more) accountable for their performance than private ones. By being transparent, public organisations can build trust with the public and ensure that they are delivering value for their constituents.

In the world of tech-product companies, the need for consistent product innovation is well understood. These companies constantly create new value for their customers and for their business. They don't just tweak and optimize existing products, but rather, they develop each product to reach its full potential. This mindset can be applied to public organisations as well. By adopting a culture of innovation, public organisations can better meet the evolving needs of the public and deliver more effective services.

Successful digital products are almost always built by long-lived multi-disciplinary teams that have broad power to shape their own work. These empowered product teams are crucial for driving innovation and delivering value. Translating organisation strategy into something multiple product teams can efficiently execute on is one of the functions of product management. By having an executive team designed consciously to support empowered product teams, public organisations are more likely to succeed in their digital initiatives.

In fact, Steve Jobs, in his first year returning as CEO of Apple, made significant changes to the company's structure to foster innovation. He laid off the general managers of all the business units, put the entire company under one profit and loss statement, and combined the disparate functional departments into one functional organization. This restructuring allowed for a more streamlined and cohesive approach to product development, leading to the creation of revolutionary products like the iPhone.

At Startup School SV 2014, Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram, shared some valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of being relentless and believing in your idea, even when others doubt its potential. Systrom stated that 99% of ideas don't work, and people will tell you it's not going to work, but that shouldn't deter you from pursuing your vision. Being your own advocate is crucial for making something big.

Systrom also highlighted the significance of community in building a successful company. While technology and ideas can be copied, a strong community is something that cannot be replicated. Building a community requires time and effort, but it is an invaluable asset for any company. By nurturing a community, public organisations can create a network of loyal supporters who will champion their initiatives and help drive positive change.

To create effective public digital organisations, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Foster a culture of innovation: Encourage employees to think outside the box and constantly seek ways to improve services. Embrace new technologies and adapt to changing trends to stay ahead of the curve.

2. Embrace transparency: Be open and honest with the public about the organisation's goals, performance, and challenges. Build trust by demonstrating accountability and actively seeking feedback from constituents.

3. Build a strong community: Invest in building relationships with the public and key stakeholders. Engage with the community through various channels, such as social media, town hall meetings, and surveys. Leverage the power of community to drive positive change and advocate for your organisation's initiatives.

In conclusion, effective public digital organisations are essential for meeting the needs of society in the digital age. By embracing transparency, fostering innovation, and building a strong community, public organisations can position themselves for success. It is crucial for public organisations to learn from the practices of successful tech-product companies and empower their teams to deliver value and drive innovation. With the right mindset and strategies in place, public organisations can truly make a difference in the lives of the public they serve.