I often reflect on the “spin” that media and individuals give interpretations of their lives/ experiences/ beliefs/ perceptions. So often these days so many people either “shape” their views to suit the audience in front of them, or worse still refrain from stating their opinion at all (perhaps for fear of reprisal/ being judged based on what they have to offer).
Over the past 5 years I’ve seen a steady “dumbing-down” of raw intelligence and creative/ innovative thinking in New Zealand, in favour of an increasing plethora of legislation, regulation, policy and similar “prescriptive” devices. Have no doubt about it, all of these “hard-coded” measures are designed to:
a) Standardise thought, behaviour and outcomes in society.
b) Ensure that “sameness” presides over individuality.
c) …and most of all, “control” peoples’ lives.
New Zealand (and other countries) is in a crisis state if you ask me. I’d really like to feel compelled to say otherwise, but I see little evidence of good/ effective governance being practiced – at all levels. I see a still young nation of people struggling with issues of equality – race, income earning potential, etc, and I see the same mistakes being made over and over – in education emphasis, governance practices, management practices, economic development strategy, business development strategy, etc. Yes, there are some success stories shining through in the commerce arena; however such stories continue to be overshadowed by the still unacceptably high business failure rate in N.Z. (I go into some detail explaining why I think this is so in my first book).
In my view we can most certainly do better than what we’re currently doing, but the improvements required are going to take a considerable change in emphasis in terms of the nature of the knowledge that is taught, and the emphasis that is placed on focusing strongly on teaching humanities versus teaching technical specialist subject matter.
Some people will no doubt criticise my above comments – and even contest them as being “not true”. My rebuttal in defence of my comments is as follows:
- Consider the ongoing high failure rate of businesses in N.Z.
- Consider the continuing high level of conflict and dysfunctionality that occurs in relationships – both in and outside the work environment
- Consider the way that politics continue to overshadow “making the right decision/ taking the right action” simply because it’s the right thing to do
- Consider the way that some leaders who are responsible for overseeing considerable assets/ infrastructure refuse to apologise for wrongdoings to stakeholders
- Consider the way that large investments continue to be made in performing extravagant viability studies, that ultimately lead to nil implementation for whatever reason
- Consider the reservations that many employers have now when considering engaging new employees – which are denying many businesses growth opportunities
- …and the list goes on.
In recent times I met with a prominent Maori leader to understand from his perspective what he considered were the key issues in the consideration set of Maori people. His reply was candid and clearly spoken from the heart. In short he conveyed these factors as being of most concern to Maori currently:
i) Dwindling hope.
ii) The attrition (largely through dying) of well respected effective older leaders; and the emergence of younger Maori leaders who don’t have the same inherent mana as their predecessors or the necessary full range of skills needed to lead Maori.
iii) Wanting to put a roof over the heads of whanau – and not being able to afford to do so in many cases.
iv) Wanting to see Maori succeed in the NZ education system, in order for Maori to then have improved opportunities in life to earn an income that will enable them to have families.
Why I’m telling you this here, is because the words of this Maori leader were (and still are) the most refreshingly truthfully spoken words that I have heard in my life to date. I was humbled by his willingness to speak so openly and truthfully with me.
My greatest “hope” for New Zealand going forward is that we find more effective ways to get along better together. Specifically:
- Quit approaching the examination and resolution of issues from a political perspective – and return to being the pragmatic and innovative people that we once were widely respected for being.
- Support the endeavours of high-achieving people – give them what they need in order to continue to blaze paths that best serve the interests of the people who they are charged with the responsibility of leading. Allow “tall poppies” to continue to bloom. When these people realise their potential in life, their achievements also often have a considerable positive impact on the lives of those people who they have led.
- Get people talking their “truth” more – not via faceless mediums such as social media; but in forums which enable rich emotions to be portrayed as our truth pours out.
- Challenge the status quo of organisations – at all levels (i.e. including central government); and be prepared to make (and embrace) significant change as/ when it is deemed to be justified. In short, be prepared to adapt as/ when life demands that adaptation occurs.
- Judge people more by their actions than their words.
- Ensure that the right leaders are appointed to lead.
- Develop well-rounded “good people” – instilling values that cause kindness to be infectious.
- Regulate/ legislate only where it is deemed absolutely necessary to do so – and repeal/ dissolve that regulation/ legislation which is deemed to be hindering the progress of New Zealanders.
- Re-focus work mindsets on “performance”, “achievement” and “outcomes” – and step away from damaging attitudes such as “it’s good enough just to participate”.
- And the biggie from a country perspective: stop thinking that we have all the answers to improved well-being within ourselves, and start becoming more receptive to adopting practices/ measures from other countries that are proving that what they’re doing is having considerable positive effect on their people. New Zealand has suffered for generations from “I know what’s best” syndrome. This mentality of having to reinvent the wheel using our own intellectual property each time for every issue that arises along the way simply must change.
And if you want to know what the “golden formula” is for ALL New Zealanders to prosper in all areas of human life going forward, you’ll find the answer here: Collaboration Will Prove to be NZs Saving Grace