“Smart people doing dumb things”: are we solving the wrong problems?

The public sector has gone above and beyond in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic by both developing and implementing new policy and service provision, and source new innovative approaches to keep up with the rapidly changing nature of work. The impact on the private sector has also been immense, forcing tough decisions and catalysing new ways of working.

But Nick Fleming, ANZSOG presenter and founder of the strategic advisory firm, Innergise, argues in his new book that the environment in which they operate is complex and fast-changing, characterised by global issues such as stagnant economies, low productivity, social unrest, falling trust in government, fractured politics, soaring wealth disparities, and compounded by a variety of crises (health, climate and financial). Our wicked problems are growing thornier by the minute and time is of the essence. We cannot afford a situation where smart people are wasting time doing dumb things.

Our collective inability to solve the right problems culminates in a state of “dumb-stuck” – and the costs cut across interpersonal relationships, organisational ladders and societal structures. Luckily, the solution isn’t in sourcing more capacity or effort, but in refocusing our eye for complex problem solving.

Join us on 28 July 2021 as Dr Nick Fleming, Professor Ken Smith AO and Helen Silver use real-world scenarios from both the private and public sectors to discuss (and debate) the “best practical methods” for solving the right problems in a fast-changing world of work.

This event will have limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions, but will be available for livestream. You will have the option to choose whether you’d like an in-person or livestream ticket during registration.