Well who would have guessed that, maybe Mike Williams? Based on my past experience with the political phoenix, Saturday became a sobering experience rather than a night of celebration. So when I woke up on Sunday morning with a clear head and feeling refreshed it reminded me that yes, all is not good (in my opinion) for PM John Key. But hey, that’s democracy and if you look at the normal distribution curve I appreciate I am at either end of the curve depending on the direction of the axis. I wish PM, John Key all the best as he and the coalition team look to make the next three years meaningful and prosperous.
The result did remind me of the article in the Business Herald on Friday 25th November by Sir Richard Branson. Sir Richard was writing about his new book, ‘Screw business as usual’ saying, “it’s time to turn business on its head”. Maybe I missed something that the NZ voters knew – time to turn the business of government on its head. Enough already – I will let it go – promise.
In a conversation regarding sustainability and corporate social responsibility, Sir Richard said, “the people in all of these organisations – large and small – have the combined power of a hurricane to effect change. It should no longer be just about typical ‘corporate social responsibility’ where the ‘responsibility’ bit is usually the realm of a small team buried in the basement – now it should be about every single person in a business taking responsibility to make a difference in everything they do, at work and in their personal lives.”
He then went on to say, “Long-term sustainable change happens if people discover their own power. The key is moving the centre of gravity in the decision-making, moving it closer to the community, in the field, and so forth – and away from a centrally directed, top-down approach.” Is that what the Greens have done to gain a greater percentage of party vote or have they changed their plan to be closer to commerce therefore getting things more in balance?
Balance is a great word that conjures up images of time spent reconciling bank accounts or just the day’s takings with the sales register. But like the workings of a watch it can be a very delicate compilation of many interactive factors. If you pull too hard on one of the components of your business equation, I am sure you know that it can put the rest right out of balance, making your business behave a bit like the wheel whose axle is off centre. I do admire greatly those people who can make sense of economics.
For 2012 may I suggest that success in business will be based on the balance between risk and innovation? It is my prediction that well managed organisations with a positive attitude and an innovative plan will grow in 2012.
It can be yours if you decide.
