A very different job

Today’s Asset Management Strategists 

Today’s Asset Management Strategists need to ask new and different questions. We can no longer rely on answers that served us well in the past, nor the questions that generated those answers. We need to develop new question asking skills and explore new directions.

Over the last 30 years we have concentrated on efficient production, or ‘getting the job done right’ and done really well with that.  Now we need to tackle the next task ‘getting the right job done’.

With so many technological options now opening up, and economic, social and environmental demands, as well as public and governance attitudes changing so rapidly- it may be a very, very, different job!

But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

We just need to know where to start.

In my last post I reflected on the public service in the late 1980s where I rejoiced in finding many others willing to co-operate in problem solving – before ‘competition’ rather than ‘collaboration’ became the ethos of the day. 

However, there are now signs that the tide is again turning, so can we provide a vehicle for collaborative discussion?  Let’s try!

Melbourne Workshops

I will be in Melbourne at the end of this month to conduct interviews for our podcast series and while I am there, the Talking Infrastructure Melbourne Team is organising a series of free workshops (coffee provided!) to explore new questioning techniques.

Here is what is on offer –  Two hour workshops will be held at the Istana next to the Queen Vic Markets between Saturday 27 and Wednesday 31 – In the comments section, tell us what interests you and we will send you session times and more detail.

1.  Inverse Hypotheticals

In an ordinary hypothetical a hypothetical story is created and panelists are asked questions.  In an inverse hypothetical, a story is again created BUT it is the panelists who get to ask the questions. The set up is this:  A review group has to consider a certain infrastructure proposal or situation.  The panel are advisors to this review group and feed them the questions they feel relevant.  The facilitator may throw some unexpected new items into the mix as the discussion develops.

2. Development Session:  Exploring the role of the Future Asset Management Strategist  

If you know the technique of ‘Beyond Bullet Points’, this is a great opportunity to practice. If not, it is a great opportunity to learn.  And to produce something valuable in the process.  

3.  Exploration Session:  “The 2020 Infrastructure Challenge” 

Those of you who have been involved in asset management for a while will remember The International Asset Management Competitions which took place between 1996 and 2000.  They were designed to put asset management, if not on the map, at least high on the priority list of CEOs.  And it was very effective in giving asset management greater traction at that time.   The 2020 Infrastructure Challenge is looking at how we might do the same for the new infrastructure decision making we will need as we transit for 20th to 21st century infrastructure.

4.  Open Discussion Session 

Key concerns of asset managers today,  Come with your question and/or come to get involved in the ideas of others.  

Not in Melbourne?  

Workshops are being planned for other cities. At the moment we are looking at Sydney in mid August (while I am over Sydney way to give the opening keynote to the Asset Management for Critical infrastructure Conference, August 20th)