Watching commitment and passion at work...

The 20th century writer and anthropologist Margaret Mead said, "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has".

This quotation came to mind while I was in front of a workshop of Bright Young Things in Sydney this week.

Entitled "A Career, not just a Job", the workshop is an annual event at which I have presented since it was first run in 1999. Organised by the Australasian Mutuals Institute, the professional development body of the credit union and building society industry, the workshop is for those individuals with only a short time in the industry, but whose managers have recognised their talent and ability and see a bright future for them - people who can and will make a real contribution.

What a joy it was to participate with these talented and articulate people. Listening to their opinions, discussing their jobs, their employers and the issues surrounding their career development exposed us all to passion, commitment that augurs well for this "5th pillar" in the financial services market in Australia.

Their attentiveness and respect for those industry representatives who accepted invitations to share their inspiring work histories demonstrated the calbre of people who will be the next generation of leaders: worthy successors to the generation that they had just been listening to.

They finished the day not only fired up (as happens at most workshops), but with a commitment to a personal action plan for the next 30/60/90 days.

Did they have a great day? You bet. But these are people of substance. They came away with things to do, and I have no doubt that they will get done.

Harry

A Tale of Three Bright Young Things (and a man in a tux!)

It was a flat tyre. I couldn't believe my luck. A perfect storm of events...

I was coming home from a formal function in the city last week. It was late, had been raining, and I was all gussied up - white mess jacket, bow tie - you get the picture. As I drove down Edward St I heard the familiar thunk thunk of a flat, so I pulled over, turned on my hazard lights and started to open the boot and extract the (now) familiar equipment.

Just as reached the boot, three BYTs, two guys and a girl, stopped and asked me if they could help. I initially said "no, thanks" but they insisted. The young lady (Grace by name, grace by nature) said that she had always wanted to learn how to change a tyre, and this was her chance. Given the way I was dressed (like a penguin) and the memory that the last time this happened (again at 11.30pm and dressed in tails!) I decided to take them up on their generous offer.

I just hoped they weren't helping because they considered me an old fella (when did my hair go from brown curls to salt & pepper grizzled? :))

In the twenty minutes that it took to change the flat I discovered that their names were Andrew, Grace and Kyle (hope I got that right) and that they were on their way to a 21st celebration at the casino. I offered to buy them a drink when they had finished but they wouldn't have a bar of it. The least I can do is tell their story - and mine. I mentioned in the latest edition of The Boss's Guide to Bright Young Things that 30%+ of volunteers in the philanthropy sector are Gen Y. It's the same attitude that saw these 3 BYTs stop and offer assistance to a stranger. So, the next time you need an illustrator (Andrew), a photographer (Grace) or a nurse studying to be an economist (Kyle, what???) drop me an email and I'll put you on to them!

To you guys, thanks again. I have little doubt that people like you will run the world and do a better job than the people who came before you.

Incidentally, just as we were packing up another group of 3 BYTs came up (also two guys & a girl ????) and asked if we needed any help. They were quite distraught that they weren't needed.

There's no fluke in that!