Mobile technology and social media

II haven't posted for over a week since we've been travelling about and I hadn't much I wanted to share. And then I reflected on the wonders of the technology at my fingertips . These pictures from Chatsworth in Derbyshire last weekend were snapped on my iPhone. 

I don't need special equipment to capture a reminder of a shared family Eastertime. And I was able to 

share the sun going down on Twitter , to delight my followers, should they happen to be looking. And some were. 

I don't know all or even most of my followers personally , nor can I be sure why they follow me. I follow about half of them back , and am confident that our shared interests have been reinforced and informed by being together on Twitter. I know that many people have taken up following @EastLondonGroup, having been charmed and intrigued by a retweet or posting of this wonderful art .

And it has been fantastic to meet fellow supporters in real life having got to know each other through Twitter. The "Sunday morning , Farringdon Road " posting has become a weekly ritual. 

Please don't miss a wonderful selection of the non- urban paintings at the "Out of the City" exhibition at the Beecroft Gallery in Southend, until late June. ( for more see last blog) 

But art and nature aren't the only topics that are shared on Twitter. As well as news and current affairs , I've discovered  the brilliant online magazine @standardissueuk  started by comedian Sarah Millican,  featuring wonderful women's writing . It is open, topical,quirky, entertaining ,supportive and challenging.  And I've read wonderful books as a direct result of Twitter recommendations. 

                                      

My interest in organisational leadership, social care , local government,NHS, health and wellbeing, dementia and Children's safeguarding , finds numerous excellent commentators sharing research and opinion.

 Inspirational campaigns share their early evidence and garner valuable support through this channel . The inestimable Dr Kate Granger (@grangerkate) devised and championed the #mynameis campaign and it will be just one part of her legacy when her terminal illness finally takes her life. 

When I was a serving Chief Executive I was accessible to councillors , staff, residents, fellow professionals and leaders in other organisations via Twitter.  I found this an invaluable tool for our improvement journey , a source of support and intelligence , and only sometimes ......slightly irksome! 

Of course, social media must be approached sensibly and sensitively. (I am guided by the test - would I be happy to announce my tweet in a pub, cafe or similar) . I am convinced that like so many of the accessible new technologies available to non- specialists , social media and Twitter in particular, has to be embraced as a force for good. It cannot be ignored by those running organisations. What's more it  allows us to connect, learn, be active, notice and give (CLANG) even if we are restricted by age,infirmity, or disability .

So let's end with another superb sky , this time back in Hove on Wednesday, and let's celebrate our ability to snap,share, learn and link .