‘it will be better by Christmas’

It would be fair to say that there is a fair amount of stress amongst leaders in higher education as every University across Australia grapples with a very different set of circumstances than they have previously experienced. Facing into the financial challenge is front of mind. Coming to grips with what the future holds (or doesn’t) is occupying even the hardened Chief Financial Officer as they birth an organisation that can continue to operate effectively and continue to transform learners lives beyond 2021.

How many times have we heard ‘It is unprecedented times, ‘uncertain times’, ‘testing times’ or ‘unparalleled times’. The headlines present the shock and disbelief daily. And, if you’re living in my hometown that reality is something you see every day from your bedroom window as you look out onto the world and listen to the daily death toll number. 'It will be better by Christmas’.

Whilst our leaders necessarily are present in the immediacy of the crisis they are also looking to the future, they're imagining what it will look and feel like. The phrase which includes the word ‘new’ coupled with ‘university’ holds the promise of something fresh and full of hope. Perhaps even a renaissance moment. Despite the energy this utopia holds in the face of so much uncertainty it is perhaps true that what we crave the most is something we can’t have. Certainty and stability.   â€˜It will be better by Christmas’.

However, I can’t but help look at the decisions being made and how they are in part pushing towards that unreachable place of certainty and stability. I don’t believe many of us like the ever-persistent unsettled nature of these ‘unparalleled times’. We can’t help ourselves in seeking resolution and sitting comfortably with (un)comfortableness is unnatural for most if not all. Do any of us really believe that ‘this is the new norm’ really makes it any easier to accept? It is bitter-sweet. '‘It will be better by Christmas’.

Why wouldn’t we seek something smoother that can see out to the horizon. Wouldn’t it be nice for example that Sunday afternoons didn’t herald an announcement that sends you and your already exhausted teams into further crisis management? Your students are creating amusing memes on Facebook that on one level are highly amusing but at the same time there is the real horror of students who can’t afford to pay their rent. And, just as you thought you had it sorted. Bam!! 'It will be better by Christmas’.

Leaders then, as we all know, because the research and numerous knowledgeable ones have demonstrated, require us to be resilient as we wrestle with all enveloping tiredness, unexpected grumpiness from our teams, and something a little more difficult to wrestle- fear. Amongst this the moments that also make us all laugh. Like when someone’s daughters set fire to the kitchen whilst on Teams. Or, the cat vomits all over your carpet behind you and you keep going. Yes, that happened to me. ‘It will be better by Christmas’.

I have to say that my team is an amazing group of individuals who have come together in a united purpose. Laughing, being sad with each other, howling in dismay and at times downright cranky and annoyed. The gamut of emotions we feel together has crisis written all over it. But, the vulnerability with which they sustain each other and me is a marvel to be part of.

Modelling the way we want to be as leaders as we pull ourselves forward into that horizon of ‘it will be better by Christmas’.  Lets go for it we say- come on.

The singular focus on what needs to be doesn’t come without a deep care for our staff and each other. Making sure they have the right kit, the right chair, are engaging regularly with their teams or organising buddies so everyone checks in on someone. We organise silly hats drinks, send jam and face-masks, knit mittens, send books, cards and brownies and introduce the pets. They hold virtual town halls and communicate and engage like they have never. Ensuring all have purpose and know what they need to do. Being open and honest. The humanity of their actions is silencing. The trust that has been built in the ‘catastrophe’ has been fostered on a renewed faith in our purpose and that is humbling. We will be taking this forward.                                                                                                                                       

Simultaneously they have faced into the problems. They have framed them towards a future that only stretches a short distance with the proviso that the next year will be a time to take stock and to pause. Go slow to go fast per se. They have seized the opportunities and have never lost sight of the bigger picture. Aspirations have had to change.  Resilience in action.

Likewise, they walk their dogs, spend time with their kids, redecorate, take training classes online, read biographies and go on dates. They’re just people too. They’re great leaders and I suspect that we will all look back fondly of what has been built here. 

and....‘it will be better by Christmas’.  

Professor Belinda Tynan, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Education & Vice President, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne