A step-by-step approach to achieving successful outcomes across a range of difficult situations has been released by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) following a recent APS200 panel discussion.
The Department said leaders from across the APS came together to participate in the interactive panel discussion, where experts shared their advice and experiences of dealing with the challenging periods Australia has faced over past decades.
PM&C said the step-by-step approach to achieving successful outcomes amidst a crisis was discussed by the Principal of Creswell Advisory, Ben Hubbard.
It said the approach involved six key questions: What are the facts and what do we know?; Who do we need in the room and who are the critical people in dealing with this?; How do we stabilise the situation and survive the next little bit?; Where do we want to end up and what does success look like?; How do we get there?; and How do we run this thing, what are the routines and tempos to deliver our approach?
According to Mr Hubbard, anticipation was a key starting point to dealing with a crisis.
“I think the Public Service can do a good job, where it’s possible, to anticipate events or things that might happen and then to anticipate responses that might be required,” Mr Hubbard said.
The Department said that while anticipation and preparedness could take people far, “once a crisis situation is imminent it is essential to confront it with capability, hard-work and professionalism”.
