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Citizens
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the World Needs
It is a frequently heard rhetoric that we should change our behaviours now in order to improve the world for future generations. To think about how we live, how global resources are utilised and what we value in terms of sustainable futures. When it comes to our behaviour and culture, however, I’m not sure that it all should be saved and continued for future generations. I believe so much of today’s culture needs to be challenged and re-invented, and that it is our students who will be the very ones to do so. I find it perplexing when I hear skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and interpersonal skills described as ‘soft skills’ or ‘21st century skills’. Firstly, they are anything but soft. These skills are the core foundation from which every relationship, direction and vision stems. If these skills are in fact soft, then I wonder why it is so hard for the most intelligent among us to master them. Secondly, these are not 21st century skills. They have always been, and always will be, fundamental human skills. People who have prioritised and seen the value in creativity, communication and collaboration have always found success, both in their professional and personal endeavours. We are simply now putting a name on what it is that is actually at the core of how humans work together most effectively. Watching the very different leadership styles around the world over the past 18 months as leaders everywhere were challenged in their response to a global pandemic, I have reflected on what the world truly needs in its leaders and indeed, in its citizens. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to hear former Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gilliard AC, reflect on what she saw. She commented that the most effective types of leadership was shown when strength and empathy were modelled. The strength to make the hard call and confront the challenges, and the empathy to truly understand and respond to the difficulties we all faced.
