Views in Verse - on 'everyday heroes'

The courageous death of Lt. Col. Arnaud Beltrame by the hand of a terrorist this week may well mark a new page in the history of international policing. In the face of so many such siege situations that can go so often heavily the terrorist's way, police globally have in recent times been issued with orders across the board to 'engage' ...not 'mediate'. The Lindt Cafe siege was indeed our own local watershed here in Sydney.

This challenge however may well need a new form of leadership to lock these new policies and processes into place given that police have since Dirty Harry days (art imitating life) securely 'set up a base' outside the siege. So, how can leadership theory hope to deal with this change?

Beltrame had already been awarded for gallantry several times; he may well not be the average policeman who are called upon to immediately deal with these situations on arrival at the scene. Policing follow set processes; so, how can they be implemented effectively to deal with this all to often seen scenario? Clearly, leadership is the key.

Let's turn to management theory to see what may assist in such a solution.

The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ - a 360 degree feedback instrument - Bass, 1988) has been a foundation stone of leadership characteristics to draw on. From this Bass became the second father (post Burns, 1978) of transformational leadership (TL) which, it must be said for all it's notoriety, has failed in the corporate world, given >70% of such efforts have not succeeded (McKinsey, 2016).

 

This style is founded in emotional responses which would appear to be the needed foundation stone for the required new transformative processes. Notwithstanding this, research of the MLQ (350 cases to date) has shown that the transformational style (TL) has "far greater effect in government and particularly in 'military' applications" (Bass, in Hughes, Ginnett & Curphy, 2015 p. 597). So, there may be an appropriate application here despite its otherwise patchy corporate record. The transformational leadership style features:

- evoking pride and confidence

- instilling power and confidence in followers

- setting exacting standards for the organisation

- drawing self-sacrifice on behalf of the group

TL is however very much a top-down discipline and it may have indeed been 'transcended by' (Tebeian, 2012 p.365) Greenleaf's 'servant based' leadership. Which has been found to exert far greater influence at the individual level from its innovative 'who serves who' model. There are various similarities with TL such as: vision, trust, influence, credibility, support and a service mindset. Kouzes and Posner (2007, p.75) point to perhaps greater suitability of the team based focus given that the key to organisational change is 'execution' which must be implemented at the group level. Jaques (2007) has written on this extensively with similar recommendations. 

Bibu (2007) too has expressed that the empowering process of a team is best oriented towards achieving a common task in an innovative way. 'The group climate' (Manole, et al, 2011 in Androniceanu, 2011), as a situation, can be controlled by the leader's style. 

Both styles do tap into the essence of charismatic leadership which 'creates the greatest personal commitment' (Boyatzis and McKee, 2005). Tebeian (2012, p. 314) further notes that ethical, effective leadership motivational models very much drive job satisfaction which is the empowering hub of group performance.

While a hybrid model may be appropriate, Becker and Huselid (1999) stressed the importance of effectively integrating key strategic models designed to re-frame the organisation's internal environments. Once again, care during implementation would create more successful outcomes. It is the one-off communication plan that failed the corporate world.

'The willingness of organisations to pursue systematically the twin goals of achieving organisational mission and assisting employees to achieve their personal goals is an implicit obligation of ethical stewardship and organisational leadership' (Bernard and Andrews, 2007).

On successful leadership of required changes

Thereby, it can be seen from the above cases that with effective leadership instruments and normative systems (values, trust based), there is hope for greater security from our international policing bodies as they strive to implement new and aggressive models designed to thwart terrorist siege situations.

Organisational systems and programs must be designed and implemented such that they reinforce employee behaviors that can produce the desired outcomes.

We should always, of course, take the time to recognize the individual bravery of a true hero such as Lt. Col. Beltrame. 

Views in verse on political pragmatism

One year this week and 'the meter is running' on Tony Abbott. So how is he faring?

As always in political commentary there is much ado about election 'promises' made

Fourteen promises broken already according to one AFR scribe this week. But let's get 'back to basics' here ...in the spirit of Abbott's oft' mentioned mentor John Howard:

Maybe so but ..."were they 'core promises' or not?"

And ultimately "does it matter" given that strategic objectives are achieved




I must say despite some of the bizarre matters that surfaced in the budget (which were mostly not part of the election diatribe) Tony Abbott has been 'every bit' the 'leader' one would have hoped to see ...although it may not appear that way at times. Why is that?

We were coming off the Kevin Rudd/Gillard period where the leader always craved the spotlight - good leaders do not do this - they empower the operatives who then must be seen to perform and they support them by allowing them to manage their own portfolio. Accountability then comes further down the track. The modus operandi we see reflected in this now is a stable front bench (unlike the previous two Labour governments). As a result we are seeing 'the best' of his key ministers.

With Joe Hockey even though he has fumbled from one situation to another (until gaining some traction this week) Abbott has allowed him to solve his own problems without 'running into the burning house'. There is no doubt that Hockey's smiling face this week was testimony to this 'effective leadership'

We have seen Julie Bishop and Scott Morrison shine under this leadership first in the recent handling of the Russian involvement in the loss of the Malaysian Airline and (Morrison) who accepted Abbott's 'poison chalice' of 'boat people out of control' and has managed to tick one of the pre-election promises there.

Whenever he has stepped onto the big stage Abbott has always managed to carry out his role to the level most Aussie voters would have expected. There were unjustified concerns about this pre-election.

So what of the original promises made...is anyone really counting (apart from this diligent journo)? Perhaps we (and Abbott) himself should instead return to his five pillars that he came into office on - 'core promises'? Surely these would be the best criteria upon which to judge:

1. Fixing the economy (voter comfort perspective) 2. Balancing the budget 3. Scrap the carbon tax 4. Improve small business's lot 5. Improve the greater economy (with diversity in industry)

In the end we need to 'win wars' not 'battles'  in life.

If Abbott were to reposition himself with those pillars now going forward to the next election, he should be able to account for what in the long run may appear as unrelated 'pre-election' promises given he makes the required level of progress towards each pillar.

All this is achievable, but there is a joker card amongst all of this. If he continues to bring, what I earlier referred to as 'bizarre matters', to the table eg: paid parental leave, knighthoods returning, loosening financial advice guidelines ...things that the voting community hasn't demanded, he won't succeed. He usually seems to speak up himself on policy issues but this all needs to be relevant and interlocking with the greater programmes.

People are more than capable of assessing progress towards big goals over time and should reward effort on this basis of that. But if mixed with trivialities and 'I can't see the forest for the trees' items, then Abbott may find himself as a one term 'leader'. I somehow think he is a little smarter than that!

As a leader, Abbott is indeed impressive ...as he usually was in opposition. His team will now need to step up to the many challenges that we face in the world economy today and show that they have solutions ...without empty promises.

All this assumes that the voter is willing to entrust our leaders to deliver the big picture items as their pledge - we got there ...does it matter how? Or, do we as voters wish to (and have every right to) hold them to every word they utter along the way (leader and team).

Perhaps the politicians themselves need to be more outward in their use of 'political pragmatism' and somehow convey this to the media ...thereby "leave us alone ...we're doing our job!"

Promises

Turn away from the window

Come back over here...
try to see hope and not fears
Tomorrow's a stranger
that we should embrace
Why revisit yesterday's tears?

Today's promises
Aren't tangible things
In the way that most things are real
But they carry a cost
if forgotten or lost...
the very heart of what you feel

Who knows why
A matter of trust
Can be broken so easily?
What to do...
When things don't turn out
The way that you
thought they would be?

Yesterday's promises
Aren't tangible things
In the way that most things are real
But they carry a cost
when forgotten or lost...
the very heart of what you feel


Sent from my iPhone - Grahame J Flynn

Views in Verse on change thru renewal (Bledisloe cup - rugby)

The Wallabies came close to beating the all conquering All Blacks in Sydney last night; but by trying to beat them at their own game only came up with an energy sapping draw (12-12 all). The result was as perennial as the rain that fell for the entire duration of the match.





In order to regain the beloved Bledisloe trophy, the Australian team now need to win twice in New Zealand cities over the coming months - a mountain too far one would think. Last nights game was a must win for the Wallabies.

The Australian Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie could have taken a leaf out of the Michael Cheka book. Cheka, only a few weeks back, ended the domination of the NZ Crusaders in the Super XV competition by adopting to play an open rugby 'at all costs' mantra - to have lost last night was in effect no different to the resulting draw. It was worth the risk even in the rain. Paradigm shifts require courage not conservatism!

Kurtley Beale (#10) was a secondary player in the Waratahs make-up behind Bernard Foley; while the choice of the three Brumbies backs was rooted in the 'war of attrition style' the Brumbies play week in week out. They were not going to beat the All Blacks this way. All water under the bridge now.

McKenzie needed to look to major change in his fumbling Wallaby team - he got more of the same - sorry, the draw wasn't good enough! The best players languished on the bench. Wishful thinking only from here.

Renewal

Release
the past
It's spent
and gone
Accept
my friend
it's done!

Embrace
tomorrow
as a child
plays in rain
The future
holds promise
for some

For those
who open up
their hearts
and trust in
themselves
Good things will come
to them
as if by chance.

To lovers
who caste aside fear
the odd
chortled jeer
and boldly
march up to the floor
and dance

And to those who
take a
selfless route
in fulfilling
their pursuit
Reward will come
to them
with seeming grace...

Live to love 

the day
before wishing it away

on the past
...spent
but never
out of place!

From my I-pad - Grahame J Flynn

Views in verse on the change-bringer - Waratahs win at last!

Views in Verse on 'change bringers'

Waratahs win maiden title in Super XV competition

on their belief in a mission!





Last Night in front of 62,000 people at Homebush Stadium in Sydney, the NSW Warataths beat the Crusaders 33-32 in what was a rousing game of rugby.

The latter being many times champions and recognised as the toughest team to beat in a final. The former a side of (well) 'showponies' who loved to perform but were often not committed to win or so it seemed to their long suffering supporters ...until last night.

What brought about this change? They always had good players. The club was always well funded. But over time they lost their fans owing to their erratic performances and a revolving door of players. What changed?

Last year they enlisted the help of a European Cup winning coach. An Australian as it turned out - Michael Cheka. He came to the table with an uncompromising style based in player belief and a mission to play the game as it is intended to be played - 'openly' and with firm regard to the fans enjoyment. One would follow the other as this resulted in the biggest Final crowd in Super XV history.

The key to it all : Cheka taught them to believe in their own success.

If in doubt go back to what you believe gets you there. As they struggled through the second half last night and the Crusaders began to spin their tight web of control on the game, it was refreshing to see the open 'trust in what we know' style return as they stormed off with the win.

I had of late heard Cheka's talk of trusting to 'let the head go' as the only thing that will deliver the required outcome. A lesson to any long suffering golfer who tries to steer the club-head onto the fairway only to be later found trudging off into the trees. I heard one of his key players reiterate it this week and then again Bernard Foley mentioned it after the game last night as one of their key success factors.

Cheka brought about a common belief (previously missing) among a group of what must be called 'star players' who will now go on to form the bulk of the Australian team to meet a lot of again common faces in the Crusaders team who will very soon roll up as "All Blacks" to meet the Wallabies.

However when asked to comment on this, the 'Tahs' captain Michael Hooper (also the Australian Captain) quickly corrected the reporter with "This is all about the Tahs mate ...all about the Tahs". Absolutely correct, as the common bond found here amongst these "star players" was the mission and the strategy shared by this group of players, provided by an uncommonly inspirational coach.

Cheka was later seen wandering around the ground in a very unpretentious way; in fact he could have been any of the fans who had wandered down from the stand. Well, every one of those fans (and not just the ones who were there) thanks you for delivering on what has been in many past years a painful leaderless mission.

You made the difference 'Chek'. A real Change - bringer!!!

You hear the word 'transformation' loosely thrown around these days in the corporate world in which I dwell. One of the latest management 'weasel words' used politically to reward faceless people who do sometimes very little towards real change in a loosely prescribed initiative. The team is often refreshed quietly every few years (see National Bank this week) for purposes of continuing the reward stream without too much fuss. Much in the way the Waratahs had been!

Perhaps trusting in "letting the head go" might resonate with the new team there if they're remotely interested in pursuing any clear objectives!

The Troubadour

He came to us
as one of us
With a want to try to sing
His songs
were not 'the usual'
but long complex things

He spoke out
on looking out
from beyond your own back door
His call was to lead
not follow ...as before

With no concession
to class or place
as our fathers readily bore
But as an uncompromising
bringer of change...
revolution at the door

Using words
Powerful words
That spoke of freedom and truth
Thoughts he shared
with a growing army
of anxious wide-eyed youth

Enter the Troubadour
Let him sing
for he has something to say
We yearn for change
we're pained by war
He's brooding there back-stage
A tidal surge
of youthful thought
We need this better way
The guards are sleeping
The tower rests
We'll leave this very day
As we go
we won't look back
There's little good we see
When they awaken
The only clue given
Will be one hand waving free

Luther King
The Kennedy's
All praised in their own way
For their part
in social change
the heroes of their day

Yet no engine starts
without a key
The facts are plain to see
A new dialogue
was required
for open thought to breed

Dylan surfaced
He provided that spark
in his shrill compelling voice
Truth spoken out
again and again...
it served enlightened choice

Establishment frowned
...in time gave way
leaving Richard Nixon alone
We all answered
in the western world
J Edgar took a long walk home

Enter the Troubadour
Let him sing
for he has something to say
We yearn for change
we're pained by war
He's brooding there back-stage
A tidal surge
of youthful thought
We need this better way
The guards are sleeping
The tower rests
We'll leave this very day
As we go
we won't look back
There's little good we see
When they awaken
The only clue given
Will be one hand waving free


From my I-pad - Grahame J Flynn

CFMEU - 'views in verse' on being Australian

Views in verse ...on being "Australian"
Change in our society is only ever achieved through touching at people's hearts - not by instilling bullying and driving fear
Real Australians reach out to their fellow Australians with empathy and respect. They lead by example. Over time, this brings reward won by mutual co-operation and shared success.


On my daily morning walk through central Sydney this week I was met by what appeared in front of me to be a 'mob of bikies' in their black jackets and 'colours'. Before baulking to cross the road I read one of the emblems ..."CFMEU'. They were all the same.

They were in fact clustered in front of a coffee shop - all dressed for battle.  A day in court I suspect. The closer I got the more evident it became that there was only just enough of them to actually spread out and seemingly 'claim the sidewalk'.

As I nudged my way through them however I heard only one voice: "...that was all I had left...". A very personal voice coming from within a mob that looked anything but personal.

In reality, the words I heard from the one member could (probably would) invoke help and support from greater society for one who is really 'doing it tough'. Sadly though guys, we as humans generally draw immediate conclusions from what we first see (threatening?), basic instinct has taught us this. Further... we ALL must at least appear to be open to others or no-one will ever stop to listen.

Sometimes 'groupthink' is a very dangerous thing. You can't ever go back to check the very foundation upon which you (we) stand. Without a clear understanding of core values (founded within society's values at large) our objectives and plans can be skewed towards something that we may have never intended to be in the first place. Integrity begins with the individual.

The Great Aussie Bloke

He's been the lovable larrikin

The butt of many a joke

For he speaks his mind right at you

plain speaking kind of folk

To get a true likeness of him though...

the painter would need few stokes

For straight up and down 

just as you find him

is the great Aussie bloke:

Give him a field

He'll raze it clean 

in just a given day

Give him a bar 

he'll fill it with fun 

At his regular pay

Open his eyes 

to a worthy cause

He'll move  

without delay 

Yet introduce him 

to a worthy miss

He'll quietly shrink and choke...

Not much with his softer side really

The great Aussie bloke

The 'engine's always running'

He's 'chatty' and forthright

A friend  in need...? 

He'll turn up ready

to help him with his plight

Injustice found?

In his own way

He'll defend the given right

A time of darkness...?

he'll be there too

to raise his sleeves to fight...
Then without words
he'll tip his hat.... and
slowly roll a smoke...
Straight up and down
Just as you find him

He's the ...great ...Aussie ...bloke

Forwarded from my I-phone Grahame J Flynn

Views in verse on teamwork

Why do we try so hard to succeed on our own?


'Oft-seen faces'

Sitting on this craggy ridge...

Gazing at my fallen bridge...

The weather's hit me hard this year...

Not sure where to go from here?

Take this rambling road, our sole traverse

Has a mind of its own and a devils curse

Some days I have what it takes I'm sure

but others...

Well ...I'm not so sure

When it's not the floods

it's the constant sun

40 plus brings you right undone

Just reaching the cattle's often tough

Priming them ...I can't do well enough

Can I take this another year?

What will the banker say I fear?

These are times that stop you dead

And cop-outs nag 

So deep in your head:

Is there a fortune to be had?

Would my life be rich and glad...?

In shiny cars in far off places?

Save this farm and these 'oft-seen faces'?

(but you know...)

Surrender is for mugs & fools...

What use downing trusted tools

Where barriers may block our way

Belief arrives with the coming day

And although life can torment you

these 'oft-seen faces' see you through

They will always sustain you

The ones you love will see you through

Grahame J Flynn - Sent from my iPhone

JFK et al ...how did they really bring about change?

Views in Verse -

On change agents

JFK et al ...how did they really bring about change?

Politicians sometimes can get remarkable credit for their chosen social mandates; but how is real change actually delivered at the coalface? It cannot be done without immense support from all layers of society - the arts included. Even, dare I suggest ...rockstars?

The Troubadour

He came to us
as one of us
With a want to try to sing
His songs 
were not 'the usual'
but long complex things

He spoke out
on looking out
from beyond your own back door
His call was to lead
not follow ...as before

With no concession
to class or place
as our fathers readily bore
But as an uncompromising
bringer of change...
revolution at the door

Using words
Powerful words
That spoke of freedom and truth
Thoughts he shared
with a growing army
of anxious wide-eyed youth

Enter the Troubadour
Let him sing
for he has something to say
We yearn for change
we're pained by war
He's brooding there back-stage
A tidal surge
of youthful thought
We need this better way
The guards are sleeping
The tower rests
We'll leave this very day
As we go
we won't look back
There's little good we see
When they awaken
The only clue given
Will be one hand waving free

Luther King
The Kennedy's
All praised in their own way
For their part
in social change
the heroes of their day

Yet no engine starts
without a key
The facts are plain to see
A new dialogue
was required
for open thought to breed

Dylan survived
He provided that spark
in his shrill compelling voice
Truth spoken out
again and again...
it served enlightened choice

Establishment frowned
...in time gave way
leaving Richard Nixon alone
We all answered
in the western world
J Edgar took a long walk home

Enter the Troubadour
Let him sing
for he has something to say
We yearn for change
we're pained by war
He's brooding there back-stage
A tidal surge
of youthful thought
We need this better way
The guards are sleeping
The tower rests
We'll leave this very day
As we go
we won't look back
There's little good we see
When they awaken
The only clue given
Will be one hand waving free


From my I-pad - Grahame Flynn

When was the time in your life that you look back upon with greatest fondness?

Views in Verse - on 'the golden years'. 


When was the time in your life that you look back upon with greatest fondness?

I bet you can guess what I'm thinking ...those first few years out of school!!!

Such a short period within the greater context of our lives

but so key to what we were to become as adults.

22sunshine St

Looking back
as I sometimes do
A memory comes to mind:
Halcyon times...
Life out of school...
 'rafferty's rules' and...
22sunshine St

Dishes piled high in the kitchen
Washing only ever on need
Rarely much food anyhow
If per chance you fancied a feed
Do take-out
or do without at
22sunshine St

Always a new friend over
Staying till last one there
No extra beds needed
just sleep anywhere
The door was ever open
Drop'ins standard fare at
22sunshine St

We shared our books
and crosstown buses...
Studying as we'd go
Night time was the time for fun
Our student friends would show
Our parents came by too
Chat for a while
then go at
22sunshine St

Despite our different backgrounds
We cared for each other with pride
Sharing each others problems
Fighting each others fights
There was no me in us
Rarely a fuss (at)
22sunshine St

Making love to the late nite trains
With a real tin roof for the rain
A first love came and went
We each shared that same pain
Learning to live
learning to love at
22sunshine St


Days raced by
no time to think
Talk was the key
cheap wine the drink
Music the backdrop
sometimes loud
MJ set us free...


Some of us played 101 guitar
Never one of them in tune
Doin' our best with vintage rock
Sat'day arvo from noon
Rhythm was the challenge
Laughter was on cue at
22sunshine St

We seemed to know
where we were going
Without ever wondering how
We shared so much together
With rarely a shout or a row
Self control on show
Where it came from
I now don't know...at
22sunshine St

Some of us took fulltime jobs
Few resisted the call
the winds of change
were by then blowing
Far too hard at the door
Our own needs were changing too
life partners changed it all at
22sunshine St

Somewhere within this makeshift 'home'
In going about our days
we became something we didn't plan
Within this sometime haze
Where pawns became kings
in learning life's
most precious things at
22sunshine St

These days ...a busy life
few regrets come to my door
But whenever things
do get me down
I call upon lessons
learnt all those years before
in preparing for life
(and meeting my wife)
at 22sunshine St
22sunshine St

Forwarded from my Ipad - Grahame J Flynn