Truth is a cornerstone of civil society. An interesting read, as always Ryan. And the points you make about what power does to people, and the part subordinates have to play in moderating less desirable and strange/weird behaviours are well worth noting, and remembering. I just recently found myself calling out my boss on a directive from her that required that I bend the truth to some extent on a report. I expected it to be my last day, but it wasn’t. Loosing some filters in middle age isn’t such a bad thing!;)
Might I also suggest that, broadly speaking this sort of shenanigans goes unchecked more in public service than in private; with the bracing winds of market forces you find in the private sector, behaviours and attitudes like you describe would not last for very long…
Thanks Fiona. I have very little experience on the inside of private business and I was wondering if it replicated or exceeded the level of bonkers to be found in Government.
What stupid commentary. Gov General (and his wife) just trying to lighten the mood as host of a dinner. Trying to bring a bit of levity. It may not be appropriate or continue where mood may be different due to economic or world events. But most probably used as an icebreaker. I’m sure, in context, Winston Churchill had other matters on his mind to contend with as the PM. David Hurley is in a figure head role, not operationally involved in the day to day goings on of government or what a PM has to contend with. Tim, Brisbane.
Truth is a cornerstone of civil society. An interesting read, as always Ryan. And the points you make about what power does to people, and the part subordinates have to play in moderating less desirable and strange/weird behaviours are well worth noting, and remembering. I just recently found myself calling out my boss on a directive from her that required that I bend the truth to some extent on a report. I expected it to be my last day, but it wasn’t. Loosing some filters in middle age isn’t such a bad thing!;)
Might I also suggest that, broadly speaking this sort of shenanigans goes unchecked more in public service than in private; with the bracing winds of market forces you find in the private sector, behaviours and attitudes like you describe would not last for very long…
Thanks Fiona. I have very little experience on the inside of private business and I was wondering if it replicated or exceeded the level of bonkers to be found in Government.
What stupid commentary. Gov General (and his wife) just trying to lighten the mood as host of a dinner. Trying to bring a bit of levity. It may not be appropriate or continue where mood may be different due to economic or world events. But most probably used as an icebreaker. I’m sure, in context, Winston Churchill had other matters on his mind to contend with as the PM. David Hurley is in a figure head role, not operationally involved in the day to day goings on of government or what a PM has to contend with. Tim, Brisbane.
Thanks for your comment and counterpoints Tim. I also initially thought it may just be a bit of levity and ice breaking until I saw this video of an official event. https://twitter.com/ShitFuckery1/status/1596819099442900993?s=20&t=Ku41pi1zwz40B7cvJVSoHA Thanks for reading.