Defence

Results through People

Stepping up to make a difference

By Randy Knispel

They came from everywhere. People interested in stepping forward to make a difference at the inaugural Results through People Network Leaders Workshop held in Canberra on 31 May.

The RtP philosophy exists to 'create a climate for people to do their best by building better working relationships'. It emphasises leadership, productive working relationships and effective people management strategies.

Within this framework, members of the Network will continue to meet and discuss how to build and improve effective working relationships at all levels of the Defence structure.

A number of Defence personnel have been identified as 'regional leaders' for the Results through People Network. This follows a call for nominations in April. They will have a significant role in shaping and coordinating RtP activities in their local region, in consultation with the national RtP coordinator in Canberra.

Regional leaders have demonstrated the following set of criteria:

• Drive and commitment to the RtP philosophy;
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships; and,
• Good organisational skills.

But the most important quality of regional leaders is their enthusiasm! They will become the face of the Network in the regions, the person that those new to the Network will come to for help and information.

The Workshop

In a fully packed day, the Network Leaders addressed a range of issues relating to the role of the Network and the mechanics of Network activities, as well as a range of feature presentations on:

• The role of RtP in practical renewal for Defence (Neil Orme, Assistant Secretary, Corporate Governance & Renewal)
• Effective Meetings in Defence (Blue Worrall and Harry Baxter, CGR)
• Effective Facilitation (Randy Knispel, CGR) and
• Development opportunities for Network Leaders (Steve Newton, RtP Coordinator)

Ideas

Defence aims to achieve its goals through producing outstanding employees who focus on both people and results. The leadership behavioural model below demonstrates the focus on people and results as opposed to people or results.

But to make this happen drivers are required, people who will take a stand and, at the same time, help others to step forward.

A key element of the leaders' workshop was an interactive session to discuss and highlight priority improvement ideas from the leaders. Two action lists were then developed - one for ideas that can be progressed through the Network, and one for those ideas requiring significant involvement from senior leaders across Defence (Big Bang Ideas).

Network Ideas

Leaders on Location
Regional leaders have been selected to ensure ongoing momentum for the RtP Network and its activities around Australia. Contact details for your regional representative are available from Steve Newton.

Mentoring and coaching were seen activities that could help individuals manage their own careers and help people take an interest in the development of other individuals.

At the recent Australian Human Resource Institute (AHRI) annual conference, mentoring and coaching were cited as fundamental ingredients in establishing and continuing organisational culture. The RtP Network is looking host an R1 Theatrette presentation showcase key elements of RAAF's mentoring program in the near future.

The discussion on communication provided a range of ideas that included:

Keeping it simple, clear and personally delivered Clarifying communication as one way (broadcast) or two-way (giving and receiving) Improve communication marketing skills to promote interest Increased communication beyond chain of command.

On the issue of work-life balance, the consensus among workshop participants was that more effort was required, with the option raised of a dedicated implementation team to drive work-life initiatives.

Team-building activities to build individual commitment levels, particularly for personnel involved in more routine work, were also considered an important catalyst for improvements across Defence.

Each region will determine an idea to focus on and develop an action plan to start addressing the improvement in a way that impacts their region. Improvement initiatives will then be compiled and coordinated nationally through Corporate Governance & Renewal Branch.

Big Bang Ideas

These ideas will require more work to determine what aspects to focus on. The RtP Network will play an important role in the development of more specific plans on how to progress each of these improvement initiatives.

Analysis of the impact of change
- Defence productivity improvements are assessed and implemented at the strategic level. However, this is often undertaken without consultation at the operational level and analysis of the impact that occurs at business units.

Manage the rate of change - Rates of change should be managed more appropriately so that staff can more readily understand, accept and work within the changes made.

Standardisation of service delivery models - There are significant regional variants across Defence, and these issues should be carefully considered in the development of a standardised change management delivery model.

Better measurement - the workshop discussion focused on the need for Defence to use appropriate qualitative outcome measures and quantitative measures in the right place, rather than just ticking a box or looking at KPIs, to know if a job or program has been performed successfully.

Communication - increase beyond the chain of command - a lack of communication within Defence, or between ranks, builds resentment not understanding.

For more information:
http://intranet.defence.gov.au/cpa/manual/cgr/renewal/rtpnetwork.htm
Steve Newton (02) 6265 4489
steven.newton@defence.gov.au

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