How Sustainable Are We?
31st March, 2009 | 10:28 pm | By Graham Crombie - Audit and Assurance Services, Partner and Chief Executive

One of the problems we have in our business is the huge number of fads that come and go.  Often these new ideas are simply old ideas repackaged.  As we become more connected to the world through our professional relationships, social networking and the internet in general we have the ability to access more and more information and ideas.  This is a good thing as long as we have some sort of framework to judge if the information is any use to us.

I was lucky enough 18 months ago to have a conversation with Doris Drucker, the widow of the management guru Peter Drucker.  At 92 Mrs Drucker was in great form and about to give a presentation to a conference in Sydney.  Her theme was “there is so much information out there it is not what you know but how you navigate through this knowledge that will define your success”.  For instance, if you type in Doris Drucker to Google you get 147,000 responses – how do I know what’s relevant?  (Mrs Drucker’s speech is there on You Tube if you’re interested).

The issue of sustainability has fallen into this area for me recently.  There is so much information and comment out there that it is really difficult to get your head around what is relevant.

This subject has come more into focus for me this week as I am attending a global conference hosted by CPIT and Otago Polytechnic built around sustainability.  The themes of the conference are:

1. Leadership in Sustainability
2. Organisational Sustainability
3. Education for Sustainability

The conference is being held in Christchurch and Queenstown and has attracted speakers and attendees from around the world.  It is clear from the program and feedback that we are taking a lead on a global stage from the South Island of New Zealand.  What I have found interesting is the relevance to good business that a sustainable approach brings.  No doubt that this will be a subject of future blogs as my thinking develops.

The concept of sustainability of our firm was also on my mind today when I met our graduate intake for this year.  It was great to be in a room with nine individuals starting out on their career with the energy that they bring.  The concept of sustainability comes naturally to them.  Our discussions were around how our firm fits into the New Zealand landscape and the opportunities we have with our people and our clients.  I have no doubt that the individuals I met today have added to the sustainability of our firm.  I also know that I need to work harder at how I can help our firm and our clients operate better in a sustainable context.

As always would be glad to receive any feedback on graham.crombie@ph.co.nz

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Last updated: 1st April, 2009 | 9:15 am