From the CEO: I want to say g’day, and that I’m channelling The Black Sorrows

Having spent a few weeks getting my feet under the desk (well virtually doing that given Sydney being in lockdown), I thought its time I got to talking to members and the sector here in MEA Express. You’ve probably become very used to hearing words of wisdom in this newsletter from Nigel Collin, our Chair. Fear not. He’ll continue to share those in the alternate edition to where I do now that we’re publishing weekly. 

 

Maybe the best way for me to start is to describe my style, so that from the outset people can read my messages in that context. By no means do I aim to preach or tell, only seek to share insights into what I’m thinking with the hope that my message resonates as food for thought. I’m a pretty matter of fact guy. I say things as I see them but acknowledge that perspective is individual. Some describe the glass being half full, others define it as half empty. I simply say its half a glass – it is what it is. 

 

On that note, I’d like to call out use of the word ‘should’. I’m disturbed by the blame game that dominates our news cycles. The extent of critique on how people do their jobs and confidence with which a belief of what ‘should’ be done, or worse – through the wisdom of hindsight not privy to decision makers at decision time – what ‘should have’ been done is being expressed by others, is not benefiting anyone. In fact, I think its breeding negativity. 

 

It’s not unusual for us at MEA to hear or read what we “should” be doing. It’s also not irregular for this commentary to be made by people who aren’t current or who have never been members. It’s often underinformed opinion too. Non-members are not privy to information we restrict to sharing with our members. In many cases we’re doing things that are unbeknownst to our critics. That’s part of the value of membership. 

 

No matter how much any of us wants something, and despite how strongly we might believe it’s worth or correctness, none of us have an entitlement to it just because we say so. We’re even less entitled to tell others they should be doing what we think – especially if we’re not prepared to buy in. 

 

To use response to federal and various state/territory government pandemic management policy as another example. I constantly hear and read contrary ‘should’ viewpoints expressed by people who aren’t responsible for making decisions about this. Very brave when they don’t have to face consequences if ultimately their rationale would have produced a worse outcome than they’re criticising. 

 

I wonder how many of these critics have reflected that (luckily) there isn’t a precedent here that Ministers, bureaucrats and health officials can easily reference? I wonder how many critics have reflected on the low likelihood that the intention behind all decisions has been anything other than best? I mean these people want to get re-elected. They’re not going make deliberate choices to undermine or risk their chances of that. These are just two considerations. There’s so many more. 

 

The readiness and absoluteness I’m observing with which so many people are judging others who are just trying to do their job with greater good intent isn’t benefiting anyone. 

 

You won’t see me jumping on social media bandwagons. I don’t buy into keyboard warrioring. My mandate is to achieve MEAs objectives, not others’, so any messaging by me through those channels will be about what we’re doing or what we believe is important to share. As issues arise, I’ll manage them directly, not publicly. We will act in the holistic interests of the sector where we see the need. But our priority will be ensuring service to our members, and I don’t want us to be distracted from that by engaging in others’ campaigns.  

 

My point is I’d like to see people be more tolerant and nicer to other people, and that’s how I’ll behave. The pandemic will pass, but memories will last. This is happening to all of us. If the virus can treat us as one, we can act as one. We’re all on the same side. One of the key elements of teamwork is respect, and that’s a virtue of great importance to me. 

 

I’m not saying it’s not tough at the moment members, believe me. I’m very conscious of the impact and uncertainty that COVID has had and creates for the sector. I’ve personally experienced some of the consequences the pandemic produces. Nor am I suggesting that utopia is on the horizon. I’m saying it is what it is, and that professing to be more expert at a job that we’ve never done before than the person who’s doing it right now to the best of their ability, is only going to worsen the problem and not contribute to the solution. 

 

For something a little different, I’m going to try and complement the key principle of my article each edition with applicable song lyrics, or with a quote by an inspirational or aspirational figure. The context in which it is sung or was said may differ, but I hope readers will be able to look beyond that to the relatable message premise. 

 

My taste in music is eclectic and traverses the current to generations before me. It will potentially introduce some readers to new things, take some others back in time and give cause for a quiet ‘love this song’, yet lead some others to think this guy’s taste is in his...

 

 I’ll leave you with the words of The Black Sorrows: 

There's better times to come 

There's better days ahead 

If you believe” 

 


Source: The Black Sorrows - "Better Times", Album: "Better Times". Listen to the song on YouTube here.