Russell Bell: Politics, business and the ability to relate

Russell Bell PHOTO/FILE

It's not unusual to sit in front of my PC and wonder just what I am going to write about.

This is not that I struggle for topics, it is more due to the wide array of things going on in and around Whanganui that I could write about.

The major piece of news, obviously, is the resignation of Prime Minister John Key, and this has direct impact on business and the economy - not least from the markets which reacted swiftly to the news that unexpected change had occurred. With change comes uncertainty.

Watching social media there were a number of reactions from both sides of the political divide.

For me, Mr Key (and I refer to him in the present tense because he is still the prime minister) is by far the best PM in my lifetime and, having met him a number of times, much of that came from his leadership and his natural ability to communicate and relate to everyone.

He also led his team outstandingly well, so much so he was complimented by the Labour leadership - high praise, indeed.

His government negotiated their predecessors squandering surpluses for election success, a local recession which preceded the near depression of 2008-09, the devastating Christchurch earthquakes and now the Kaikoura event.
It is too soon to speculate what this means for next year, but the succession plan which has been in train for a number of years will now be tested. I am confident that the strengths of the National Party will continue whoever the reins get passed to.

Still with politics, Chester Borrows also made it official that he is moving on after what will be 12 years in Parliament. Having worked closely with Chester on a couple of projects, I am sad to see him go but understand that it is time for a new challenge.

His integrity and genuine caring for his constituency are what I will remember most of his time in office. But he, like Key, also had an ability to relate really well - when was the last time you saw a Whanganui MP (as we did last Wednesday night) put himself in the firing line of some of New Zealand's quickest and cutting comedians from the 7 Days team? Definitely something for the brave and real.
The best of luck to both men as they move to the next phase of their lives.

Speaking of the "next phase", I want to highlight the assistance I have received from two Whanganui businesses who went above and beyond for me, and highlighted even more why we need to be supporting local businesses and not fall into the trap of subjecting ourselves to the big corporates or the "no-customer-care" internet businesses.
Both relate to furniture which had failed and the quick response of the vendors to deal appropriately with the challenge.

Both Wanganui Furniture and Meteor Office Products Depot moved with speed to deal with furniture which didn't perform. In both cases the challenge was about the materials and was highly unusual, and their responses were first class and again show how local people will always respond in a more effective manner than a call centre staffer or, worse, a computer programme/algorithm.

Integrity and an ability to relate well to customers - crucial in both business and politics.

*Balance Consulting is a Whanganui consultancy specialising in business strategy, process excellence and leadership mentoring - contact Russell Bell on 021 2442421 or John Taylor on 027 4995872