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‘People’ Issues in the White Paper:
Beware of Slip between Cup and Lip
Author: Nick Jans
Volume 5, Number 2 (Winter 2009), pp. 97-105.
Abstract
The White Paper 2009 reiterates the important People themes that were enumerated in its predecessor nine years ago. Its principles are sound and its intentions are appropriate, and there are many encouraging developments within the Defence Force personnel arena. All this suggests that, with the continued reinforcement of these developments, this time round Defence might avoid the serious ‘slip-between-the-cup-and-the-lip’ phenomenon that has often plagued the translation of good intentions into actual practice and improved capability. Like most other aspects of military practice, however, challenges in the People arena are complex, and the process of turning good intentions into effective practice will involve more than just improving what already exists. The time is ripe for some genuine innovation in approach, policy and practice.
About the Author
Dr Nick Jans served in the Australian Regular Army from 1961 to 1985, and is currently a brigadier in the Reserve, as a Visiting Fellow in the Centre for Defence Leadership & Ethics at the Australian Defence College. He has worked in universities and in management consultancy, and is currently a Principal of Sigma Consultancy. His professional philosophy is that ‘There’s nothing as practical as a good theory’. sigma@virtual.net.au.
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