VC’s Update: Unpacking strategy and update on Nixon report

Hi everyone,

I have been thinking a lot about strategy recently.

During my time at Intel, I spent a lot of time on strategy – from how to build a strategy group to how to increase strategic acumen and to implement strategies, big and small. We used to talk a lot about what strategy was for us: we thought about it as a set of choices that informed coherent actions to deliver on our aspirations. And we would also reflect on how simple that made developing strategy sound. 

The reality was for us to develop sound strategy, we had to invest in understanding the world around us, and how it was changing, and what those changes meant for our organisation – being data driven and getting outside of your own world view was always important. So was working out how to consider all the different ways to deliver on a strategy – all the choices – good, bad, crazy, left-field, inspired, and making sure that there was a diversity of voices in the conversation. The hardest part sometimes wasn’t necessarily about sorting through the choices, but about letting go of some things and deciding to stop others. 

I suspect much of the way I think about strategy sounds really familiar. Indeed, there are lots of ways that this approach to strategy is what we already do here at ANU. We use bench-marking data, we make business cases, we evaluate different ways of achieving outcomes, we consult widely, in and beyond the University.  We make choices that inform our actions and ensure we can deliver on our aspirations and also our obligations. Because we have obligations – regulatory ones – and also obligations to our community. Our legislation calls us to create and transmit knowledge through research and teaching. Our community calls us to make a difference and to be a place that welcomes a range of different people and works to ensure they can all participate, safely and fully. 

Late last year, the University commissioned a review into gender and culture in three schools in the ANU College of Health and Medicine. Professor Christine Nixon has now finalised her report, and the Provost, Professor Rebekah Brown and leadership team are currently in discussions with staff, students and stakeholders who are impacted. I anticipate we will be in a position to release the full Nixon Report in the coming weeks and I thank our Provost, Professor Nixon and all of the staff and students who participated and provided their lived experiences. These types of conversations require time and sensitivity. So this is taking a little time to do but it’s really critical to get this right, and to ensure we support our community to discuss this in a trauma-informed manner, and find pathways forward. 

I also know people need all manner of support, and I encourage you to think about your colleagues and friends, and how you can access our Employment Assistance Program (EAP) and free, confidential support and advice through the ANU Staff Respect Consultant or student support services.

Good thoughts to where this may find you,

G