McAllister Leadership

28/09/2023

My niece, Senator Jenny McAllister has just returned from representing Australia at the UN General Assembly in New York. She's been particularly focusing on conversations preparing for Cop28, to be held in a couple of months in Dubai, UAE.
She was invited by COP28 President-Designate, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, to facilitate consultations to reach outcomes on adaptation at this important global climate conference.
That includes the development of a framework to advance the Global Goal on Adaptation. This framework would help track progress against the Paris Agreement’s goal to strengthen resilience to climate change.
I think the invitation is based on her ability to bring together people with different perspectives and help find an agreed way forward.
Two weeks ago she signed away Australia’s surplus Kyoto credits, which had amassed to more than 700 million. They can now never been used again by any future government to undermine Australia's climate efforts.
I'm a proud Aunt, and in awe of her persistent efforts to make a better, safer world. Photo shows her with Senator Wong on the General Assembly.

27/09/2023

Here is what our Constitution says about Australian postal services. It simply says we should have a postal service. It goes on to say that the details are to be determined by the parliament. An exact parallel to what is proposed for a Voice in the referendum. The Constitution was never intended to be a place for details. The Constitution sets out only the principles for how we can live peacefully and effectively together.

Need help with a question about the Australian Parliament? The Parliamentary Education Office has the answers! Search the answers to already asked questions or, if you can't find the information you are looking for, ask your own question.

15/12/2020

I have recently invested in a company called Mindhive; the Brisbane-based scale-up, offering a unique, community-driven, problem-solving platform – that aims to become the global 'Airbnb for brains'.
This is my first share investment and I've taken the leap because I've watched the steady and capable growth of this innovative venture, which is now used by some of the biggest Australian and international companies - bringing serious thinkers together to solve problems - a great idea!
Mindhive is currently raising growth capital via a crowd fund on the platform. Some 200 investors have already pledged over $250k – their aim is to reach $1 million.
The offer closes on Tuesday 15th Dec at 10pm (AEDT), so please don't leave it too late to get involved.
If you do decide to invest, please use my share below
Offer: birchal.com/company/mindhive/r/
*Please note investments must be made prior to the deadline in order to redeem this offer.

Always consider the general CSF risk warning and offer document before investing.

We’ve been solving problems the same way as we have done for decades. Yet, we’re on the cusp of a tech revolution that gives us the capability to connect all the minds around the world, providing solutions and ideas to some of those unsolvable problems.

18/07/2020

I've just read NationBuilder's blurb on their software and think they make some great points about their point of difference in the market.
They compare their product with other work software, and point out that we need tools that emphasise leadership, not management. That means focusing more on:
- People and relationships first, and that tasks are in the service of people and communities, not an end in themselves.
- Understanding the big picture first, especially the inter-dependencies between elements within, and outside of, our work.
- The future, and what we will do differently to get better results. Not just doing what we currently do even better, but 'are we doing the RIGHT thing?'
- Measuring value, not activities. How much increasing value are we delivering for people and communities over the long term?
- The quality of our innovation - how well are we trying new ideas, learning and adapting, testing new ideas and technologies that help us engage in a deeply social way?
- Put people and our relationships at the centre - how well do we 'reach, engage, inspire, and motivate others to take action' to achieve our shared aspirations? How well do we know our supporters, what they care about, and how to engage them?
- Take ownership and protect our data, don't let algorithms and anonymous players determine our destiny.
- Enabling our supporters to act. Moving our supporters 'into deeper relationship with us, improving our outcomes, and giving people more opportunities to connect to our movement'.
- Finally, and most powerfully, DISTRIBUTE leadership. 'To achieve scale, you can’t do it alone'. Our supporters need to advocate and organise on our behalf, take advantage of the power of peer to peer engagement, and grow our base of engaged participants.

I don't know about their software but I feel heartened by their message and focus. Thank you, NationBuilder! https://nationbuilder.com/leadership_software

10/06/2020

Today, I was asked about a phrase I use, that is, to work at a 'values', rather than a 'task' level.

By this, I am referring to the common mistake of thinking that what I 'value' might be 'that the washing up gets done every day'.

That is what I would call thinking at a 'task' level. It is a very visible aspect of life, like the tip of the iceberg that is viewable because it floats above the water line.

When we ask 'why is having the washing up done important to me?' we might answer - because I value health, or security, or order, or beauty.

The answers to our 'why' questions get closer to thinking at a 'values' level. Our values are not easily visible. In the iceberg metaphor, they exist deep below the water line, and we have to use 'why', sometimes again and again, to get to the deep, foundational drivers for our choices. Our values are resistant to change, so if you work at this level with other people, the drive to make things happen will strengthen and also endure. Conversations and work that is connected with our values create commitment and motivation that is unavailable if we only talk about the 'task'.

19/05/2020

Rural Aid invites you to participate in a series of community webinars. Learn tips to bring life to your towns, how to engage people, how to cope in this isolated times and a whole lot more. Free

19/05/2020

Hosted by Peter Kenyon, this excellent series of free webinars from Rural Aid features some of our best promoters of rural business and community, including Tom O'Toole. They are being recorded so you can catch up in your own time. There are still plenty to come with good ideas and more resources online. I hope you are all healthy and happy.

Rural Aid invites you to participate in a series of community webinars. Learn tips to bring life to your towns, how to engage people, how to cope in this isolated times and a whole lot more. Free

10/05/2020

An opportunity for regional businesses to put your point of view to Canberra. This discussion on Mindhive and initiated by Kate Carnell, is calling for small businesses to share ideas for recovery from the shutdown. Mindhive contacted me for help to engage regional people in this discussion and ensure a range of voices are heard.

"What can Australian governments do to help our small and family businesses recover after COVID-19 and thrive in the future? If you are a business owner or you have an interest in this area, we want to hear from you!"

It is also an opportunity to join a broad network of sectors across Australia and the world to influence policy.

Enter the discussion at https://platform.mindhive.org/challenges/907/overview/brief?utm_source=ABSFEO%20Mindhive%20Email&utm_medium=Campaign&utm_campaign=ASBFEO%20Tracking

I hope everyone is healthy and looking after each other. Warm wishes, Pamela.

Mindhive a community of thought leaders tackling real issues. Join today for free, share your insights.

05/05/2020

My first thought as I woke this morning was, "how to facilitate today's zoom workshop to help M... do his leadership project and allow everyone to learn and get clearer and more relaxed with the assignment?".

Insights on leadership practice happen every day as I listen to media and as I search literature in response to the real world challenges and questions that come to me.

This morning I searched 'the importance of conversation to leadership' and found many papers that reinforce, but better still, integrate what I have learnt so far.

The best feeling is to find answers that help solve persistent problems in my interactions with others.

03/04/2020

Sometime ago I purchased a lavalier mic with a view to creating podcasts.

It has really come into its own now.
If you want to have more pleasant and rewarding online communications I recommend investing in one – just not to have annoying scratchy, muffled audio from a standard computer or mobile phone mic.
I bought this: audio technica lavalier microphone atr3350is.
Much cheaper than the more highly regarded Rode models (around $250) but definitely will greatly improve podcast/online meetings.

The lectures I am recording for UQ are much improved by using it. It cost me around $80 from Store DJ in Fortitude Valley – great value. The best price I found today is from Georges Camera store $45 + $10 postage, but I encourage you to support Store DJ and their helpful staff.
I’d like to support our local suppliers in this difficult time.
Here is an explanation of the mic: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/equipment/atr-3350-lavalier-microphone-podcasting-review/

I also purchased a basic external we**am (logi $10 from Aldi) so that I can control the angle of video in video meetings.
Standard earbuds plug into the lavalier adapter. Using headphones of some kind reduces background noise and feedback.

https://www.georges.com.au/audio-technica-atr3350is-lapel-microphone-for-smartphones.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw95D0BRBFEiwAcO1KDIvg3nVuqki0BJtJ2_sxSguniKV0NlVUjuXocTKl67E_ysbI5FqG6RoC62wQAvD_BwE

Audio Technica ATR3350IS Lapel Microphone For Smartphones Newscaster style miniature mic is perfect for video use Ideal for aerobics/dance/sports instructors Dual-mono 1/8" output plug connects to a video camera, DSLR, or handheld audio recorder's stereo 1/8" input, to record audio on both left and....

02/04/2020

Hi friends

Sometime ago I purchased a lavalier mic with a view to creating podcasts.

It has really come into its own now.
If you want to have more pleasant and rewarding online communications I recommend investing in one – just not to have annoying scratchy, muffled audio from a standard computer or mobile phone mic.
I bought this: audio technica lavalier microphone atr3350is.
Much cheaper than the more highly regarded Rode models (around $250) but definitely will greatly improve podcast/online meetings.

The lectures I am recording for UQ are much improved by using it. It cost me around $50 at the time, from Store DJ in Fortitude Valley – great value. The best price I found today is from Georges Camera store $45 + $10 postage - https://www.georges.com.au/audio-technica-atr3350is-lapel-microphone-for-smartphones.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw95D0BRBFEiwAcO1KDIvg3nVuqki0BJtJ2_sxSguniKV0NlVUjuXocTKl67E_ysbI5FqG6RoC62wQAvD_BwE.
I’d like to support our local suppliers in this difficult time.
Here is an explanation of the mic: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/equipment/atr-3350-lavalier-microphone-podcasting-review/

I also purchased a basic external we**am (logi $10 from Aldi) so that I can control the angle of video in video meetings.
Standard earbuds plug into the lavalier adapter. Using headphones of some kind reduces background noise and feedback.

Much love
Pamela

Why would you need a lavalier mic for podcasting? And does the ATR-3350 fit the bill?