When talking about the above we mention empowering
individuals, and allowing for innovation from within. But how can we achieve this without effective
leadership, and a culture that thrives on the excitement of being involved in
creating a better department, company or economy.
The Australian prime minister’s task force came up with a
report on manufacturing entitled “Smarter Manufacturing for a Smarter
Australia”. (http://www.innovation.gov.au/Industry/Manufacturing/Taskforce/Documents/SmarterManufacturing.pdf)
While looking at the challenges that face the manufacturing
sector, the report also focuses on the opportunities that this creates. It discusses the importance of manufacturing
to Australia, the economy and most importantly our people, you, me and our
children.
One comment in the report, also made directly to the Prime
Minister, Ministers Combet and Shorten was: “We are particularly concerned
that leadership and judgement is brought to bear on the ‘perceptions issue’ about
Australian manufacturing.”
Again we are talking about leadership and judgement, but the
report further outlines the importance of broad-based Australian economy, built
on competitiveness, productivity and innovation.
Figure 1.1 below highlights the importance of policy in
achieving the above objective through a strong direction created by a solid
strategy. The total report spans over
117 pages and contains detailed data on the manufacturing industry. I would recommend that you have a good read
of it, if you are interested in the future of our country.
Figure 1.1
SMARTER MANUFACTURING FOR A SMARTER AUSTRALIA – POLICY FRAMEWORK
The bottom line however is that while policies can be set,
strategies discussed, and recommendations presented, it is up to the
individual’s leading the businesses within the sector, as well as the ones
supplying the sector, and finally the consumers to ensure the path is
sustainable. Associations and industry
councils, advisory boards, the education sector and we as individuals also play
an important part. We all have a hand in
shaping the future of this country, as insignificant as it may seem.
At the end of the day, it will be the voice of many that
will create a better future. I think
none of us can be under the illusion that it will be easy. We must accept that severe changes will be
required about how and where we do business.
And the “pessimists” must stop the negativity and winching, and should
focus on the opportunities that are presented to us. The faster this happens, the sooner we will
move on.
Change can be exciting, although scary at times, and it will
mean entering a zone that we are not comfortable with. But if we are big enough to accept that there
are other options, and that we need to open our eyes, we will be able to see
the light at the end of the tunnel.
There are many tools that will help us achieve better
productivity, leaders, culture and so on.
Not all will work for everyone, but they will allow individuals at the
front line to help pave our way to the future.
Together with the right leaders these individuals will create companies
that are efficient and sustainable.
There are already many programs available to businesses that will
support change financially. These could
be initiatives to support sustainable practices, reduce environmental impacts,
or purely arm individuals with the skills required to affect the necessary
changes within industry.
For more information on initiatives, leadership, or any
other comments, please contact me at Chase Performance on 1300 880 338. I am located in Melbourne, but regularly
visit our offices in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, and am always happy
to have a chat and discuss any of the items above in person over an Espresso.
Best regards
Roland Weber
