Climate change is a higher order problem and, at its root, a human problem. It involves a level of complexity that makes it difficult for most people to understand and thus deal with. Human evolution is required to make progress. Einstein understood this type of situation when he said, “We...
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Just months into 2020, Australia’s leaders have faced immense challenges. All levels of government, business and the not-for-profit sector have had to negotiate devastating bushfires and now the COVID-19 crisis. Within months, if we’re fortunate, life will become more normal. But can and should leaders return to business as usual?...
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Most Australians want the risks of climate change to be addressed more seriously and urgently. Unfortunately, both major political parties have tied themselves in knots over energy and climate policy. More effort and investment into advocacy by business and community groups may only sustain the political impasse. By assuming climate...
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Within the cut and thrust of the federal election campaign, there’s been a lot of debate about the costs of tackling climate change. Unfortunately, the focus on costs diverts people’s attention from the real issues and leaves them feeling anxious and uncertain – perhaps by design. A little clear thinking...
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Australians have much to lose from inaction on climate change. But there’s also much to gain by acting. A shortage of practical solutions that are scalable, affordable and easy to embrace is an impediment. This is where engineers can play a transformative role if the challenge is approached in a...
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For all the talk of diversity and the monitoring of pay gaps between men and women, many people remain unsure of the benefits of greater inclusion beyond equality of opportunity. What really are the benefits of diversity and inclusion? What attributes of diversity actually translate into better organisational performance? And...
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Humans have proven themselves to be incredibly inventive and adaptive. So, is there any need to worry about the societal challenges we face? Surely we will invent our way to solutions. Phenomenal advances in technology offer hope but cannot be solely relied on. Comparable upgrades to our human software –...
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Who do you trust? If you’re like millions of other Australians, you don’t trust politicians, big banks or the media. In fact, mistrust of key institutions continues to grow, perpetuating a trend that started in the late 1960s [1, 2]. This lack of trust continues to gain attention, and there’s...
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Do you want a pay rise but are too afraid to ask? It doesn’t need to be this way. Indeed, it can be a relaxed and rewarding process. Here’s some tips from experience to make it a positive experience. Competing pressures on wages We find ourselves in a time of...
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What are your people passionate about? Do you know? What might be possible if you unleashed their latent talents? Indeed, what might be the cost if you don’t? For many years, I worked with one of Australia’s great businesses. SKM, a professional services firm with some 10,000 people around the...
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