Dennis Richardson AO delivered one of the more memorable and
entertaining addresses to the National Press Club last week, a speech which
also included an enormous amount of extremely valuable advice for anyone who is
or who is thinking about engaging with a government minister.
Indeed, the principal points about this which were made by Mr Richardson
– who, until his retirement as Secretary of the Department of Defence last
Friday, was one of our most experienced and respected public servants – apply
to engagement with all key political stakeholders.
In short, Mr Richardson said engaging with a Minister, particularly when
communicating information the Minister might not necessarily like, is similar
to engaging with a member of your family – carefully consider the person you
are about to engage with before doing so. Among other things, think about
whether they are a “morning person” or not; think about how and where you will
deliver the information, notably what would be the most effective setting. Mr
Richardson said it might just be that the message is most effectively delivered
halfway through walking the dog.
Mr Richardson went on to state there is virtually no point in getting
upset at a Minister. While this may make you feel better, it is highly unlikely
you will achieve the outcome you are seeking.
In other words, potentially, the two most important aspects of ministerial
engagement are to determine what outcome you are seeking and decided on what is
the most effective way of achieving this outcome.
If you are new to communicating with government or even if you have been
engaging with government for years, it’s well worth taking time to analyse Mr
Richardson’s points – ahead of interacting with all key political stakeholders.
His points should directly inform the development of your strategy for engaging
with key political stakeholders and at all times during the implementation of
the strategy. Doing so will maximise your chances of success.
These rules of thumb certainly served Mr Richardson well in a career in
the public service which lasted almost 50 years. We wish him a happy and
fulfilling retirement.
- By Hamish Arthur
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