Which leaders passed and the 2019 pub test? What are the lessons learned?
Australians have a unique methodology for considering the success or failure of their leaders. It’s called “the pub test”. The pub test is unique in that it cuts through all spin doctoring and has a heavy dose of BS detection, meaning it’s probably the most fair dinkum test of a leader’s ability to connect and communicate with the majority of Australians.
Here’s how our Australian leaders faired in 2019:
Ash Barty – PASS – Big ticks, successful humble and caring, just the way leaders should be.
Lesson: You can be successful, famous and humble all at the same time.
Nick Kyrgios – FAIL – The brat is still the brat. So much talent, going to waste.
Lesson: You build a bad reputation, its extremely hard to shake off.
George Pell – FAIL – Sometimes there is just no way of getting away with something, thank goodness!
Lesson: Sometimes, even people at the highest leadership levels, do get held to account.
Bill Shorten – FAIL – Lost the unlosable election. You haven’t won till you have won. Too complacent, was thinking of redecorating the lodge before the election was held.
Lesson: Never get too far ahead of yourself and never become complacent. It makes the losses even harder.
Steve Smith – PASS – Paid the price for not paying attention, redeemed himself on his return, back better than he was before.
Lesson: If you are genuinely sorry for your mistakes and swiftly rectify them, most people will forgive you
The Banks – BIG FAIL – Just take responsibility, fix it and make sure it never happens again. The pub test is quite clear on this one.
Lesson: When things go wrong, take responsibility, apologise unequivocally, fix the problem, make sure it never happens again!
Dr Richard Harris SC OAM and Dr Craig Challen SC OAM – Australians of the year – PASS with flying colors – helped rescue the young boys from that cave in Thailand. The Aussie way.
Lesson: Use your leadership experts and skills to help others out and people will love you for it.
Kate and Tick Everett – PASS – Created a charity to help kids with bullying while grieving the loss of their daughter ‘Dolly”. Champions
Lesson: Even in the toughest times, great people find ways to lead.
ScoMO – FAIL – As the leader of the country you simply do not go on holiday to Hawaii while the country burns.
Lesson: When you are the top leader, you had better be on the ground and at the front line providing support and solutions fast
The volunteer firies – PASS, PASS , PASS – the pub test loves these quiet dedicated leaders. They are the best of all, doing their jobs, no questions asked, the best type of Australian leaders.
Lesson: True leaders just get on with the job, no ego, no power struggles, just solving problems and sorting out whats in front of them.
Some overseas leaders that also get a mention in the Aussie Pub Test
Prince Andrew – MASSIVE FAIL – what was he thinking? Not even his mum will have a beer with him.
Tiger Woods – PASS – rebuilds his life, body and career to win the 2019 Masters, again. Absolute legend!
Donald Trump – FAIL but maybe could get a PASS – Has been impeached and has the worst communication skills and demeanor of probably any world leader. However the American economy is on the up and if Trump is truly responsible, then Americans will forgive him for his unlikability and re-elect him.
Jacinda Ardern – PASS – The NZ prime minister is decisive, empathic, caring and doing a great job. A shining example for all our world leaders.
How would your boss stack up? If you took your teammates to the pub and had a few beers while discussing their best and worst traits, how would they fair? PASS or FAIL?
