Defence

Results through People

Simple but powerful

CDF leaves no doubt about Results through People

By Randy Knispel

'Results through People is what we're all about,' the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said in a recent address to regional leaders of the Results through People (RtP) Network. The CDF left no doubts about his view for the future of the RtP philosophy in Defence, and confirmed his belief in the people of Defence as the key enablers of our capability.

Photo provided by Public Affairs

The CDF was the keynote speaker at the RtP Network's seventh summit, a two-day conference that brought the RtP Network regional leaders together to share experiences, be briefed on current changes in Defence, and help set the platform for the future expansion of RtP across and throughout Defence. Representatives from more than 20 Defence sites across the country gathered for the event.

The CDF presented his ideas on people and values, calling on the participants to look after their people in a caring, considered and compassionate way. He gave his views on empowering people to release their creativity and to nurture innovation. The CDF went on to summarise how he readies his commanders for their operational missions—by providing clear expectations of the mission, discussing constraints ('setting the left and right of arc') and confirming resources, a clear picture of the commander's intent emerges. This process allows commanders to feel challenged, involved and happy to use their experience and initiative to complete their assignments.

In the CDF's view, values define the way we behave and the way we lead. He expects the behaviour of Defence leaders to be consistent with Defence values and spoke of his definition of leadership as:

• being open and compassionate, and using behaviour to encourage and motivate;
• leading by example, engaging people in positive ways;
• being accessible to the people, including face-to-face communication;
• creating the right environment to communicate and build trust; and
• encouraging all Defence people to be leaders in their workplaces, and to lead by example.

Finally the CDF spoke about relationships and his desire for Defence to be a seamless organisation using RtP, describing it as a simple but powerful philosophy. He acknowledged the 'magnificent' job of the regional leaders in driving the RtP message throughout Defence.

Among the array of guest speakers at the event was Olympic and Commonwealth Games gymnast Brennon Dowrick. Brennon spoke about setting and achieving goals, the subject of the Work–Life column in this month's issue of Defence.

Peter Jennings, Chief of Staff, Australian Defence Headquarters, spoke briefly about the upcoming review of renewal activities, and expressed his intention to involve the regional leaders in the review process. He asked the leaders to keep an open mind about the review process, and to provide their input through the RtP network coordinator.

The event concluded with a discussion of the network's short-term needs (consolidating gains and further expansion), and the opportunity to provide input to the renewal review.

Information on the RtP Network activities and regional leaders group can be obtained from Steven Newton, RtP Network Coordinator, on (02) 6265 4489 or via email to: steven.newton@defence.gov.au.

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