Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2004/Warrant Officer of the Navy's words

G'day

How often have you heard the phrase 'people are our most important asset'? It's used frequently in and around the Navy and in the business world in both the private and Government sector. Sometimes it generates skepticism, but the truth is, many people are genuinely trying to promote people-related priorities.

In any military organisation, people are vital but their ability to achieve the mission as a team is more important than any individual. If that were not the case, we would not send our people into harm's way, or away from home during Christmas or family festivities. We must do these things to be an effective Navy and so, we should all keep this in mind when we hear those often quoted words.

That said, the Chief of Navy last year commissioned a study by a Personnel Initiative Team of a Captain and five Warrant Officers to find out through talks with junior sailors and officers what issues they believed adversely affected them and so, what we can change to make them feel more engaged as individuals.

The Chief of Navy's Senior Advisory Committee met recently to discuss the team's findings in detail and critically examined every one of their recommendations. Firstly it was obvious that action had already been taken to address many of the priority areas identified by the team.

And there was an obvious need to address other issues and tell people what this means. The Chief of Navy committed resources to address all of the recommendations and firm time-lines were drawn for each action and responsible people identified.

The details are to be made public at the Navy Symposium, taking place in Sydney as this edition goes to press. If you don't have the opportunity to attend the symposium, ask your divisional staff to brief you. All Divisional Officers should take the time to understand and explain the symposium's agenda, particularly the outcomes of the personnel initiative team and how those outcomes will affect our people. I will provide my own observations in the next edition of SeaTalk.

And remember the outcomes of the Personnel Initiative Team came from discussions with junior sailors and junior officers. This is what they told us they wanted to see happen.

I believe that people issues are getting a higher priority this year than in recent years before. Some traditional knockers might be surprised by what's in store.

In closing I would ask you to think if people should be the most important asset in our Navy....or should they be a close second?

Once again, take care and if you see me on my travels, say G'day.

David Turner Warrant Officer of the Navy email: WO.N@cbr.defence.gov.au tel: 02 6265 4905