Thank goodness. The Federal election is behind us.
However, that is not the issue for those in business.
A newly installed Australian government received little more than one-third of the votes cast. That is hardly a resounding endorsement and little more than the total of votes directly supporting the major opposition party.
Australia is a divided nation, led by arguably an underperforming but disciplined political compromise, with a leader commonly considered weak and indecisive.
REALITY CHECK
Little has changed. Not surprisingly, confidence is down, job security is tenuous, capital investment has been “parked,” and national productivity continues languishing. That’s a sobering profile of the now. Cost-of-living concerns remain the dominant force.
Globalism, with so many moving parts, makes it difficult to foresee, define, prepare for and embrace the future. Rogue national leaders, seemingly irrational financial and fiscal policies, wars, military conflicts and dictators wanting to assert their imperial aspirations seldom act or impact in concert.
Geopolitical isolation and nationalism are dangerous and fractious. Likewise, it is advisable to be conspicuous, communicative and interactive commercially.
We are tending towards or have arrived at an entropic reality. That is, a state of disorder.
It is improbable that a global leader will emerge. Self-interest will impinge upon and compromise legitimacy.
Interaction does not ensure integration. Public declarations on social media contribute little to mutual acceptance and endorsed outcomes.
Now is the time to be self-driven rather than self-interested. It will be essential to be alive, alert and responsive.
A little “bottom-up” marketing and strategy may be appropriate. Contingency planning will have considerable currency in the foreseeable future. Now there is a nice touch of irony.
Expect, accept and respond to the unexpected. Momentum and accelerated productivity may be temporarily beyond reach.
Scenario planning seems appropriate and reasonable. The horizons will be limited and the focus tight. Given the facts and factors known then, acceptance of reality will be sobering.
Reviewing, refining, and recommitting will be essential for planning, operations and daily practices.
Reassessments of available resources should be ongoing and subjected to forensic audits. Under-utilisation will be appropriate.
A questioning mind will be a virtue, centred on three aspects:
WHAT?
HOW?
And above all, WHY?
One must be understanding, tolerant, philosophical, prepared to work hard, diligent, committed, enthusiastic, and proud.
It may not be the best, but it could be the best we can expect. It is reasonable, probably not, but well-reasoned.
With a view to the future, place on your desk and imprint on your mind:
TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY
By: Barry Urquhart – Consumer and Retail Analyst | Marketing Focus
BIO:
Barry Urquhart is a highly regarded market research and strategic planning consultant, recognised throughout Australasia for his insight, clarity, and thought leadership. A seasoned keynote speaker at premier conferences, Barry is also the acclaimed author of Serves You Right! And Service Please!, two of the region’s top-selling titles on customer service excellence.
Respected as a trusted voice in business strategy, Barry continues to lead influential workshops and development programs that help organisations drive sustainable growth, elevate service culture, and achieve competitive distinction.
For Media Enquiries or Speaking Engagements:
Email: [email protected]
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