The Wall in the Head

I have heard Lynsey Hanley spoke at the recent Public Health Conference in Brighton, UK late March 2009. Being brought up in a housing estate just outside Brimingham, she talked about the effect of housing on people's lives. She has written a book called Estates An intimate History where she talked about 'The Wall in the Head'. This phrase was taken from the outlook of former residents of the communist GDR who canot quite get over the fact that their country was submerged with its larger, richer, more democratic neighbour. This metaphor rang true for people in disadvantaged housing estates who are confined in their heads about their existence. 'This is not for us' Lacking in aspiration for oneself and lack of expectation from others becomes a high wall for a better life. Therefore, it is important to help ourselves and others tear down these walls - to believe in what is possible and to want to brave new frontiers.

What needs changing in this uncertain time?

I have been reading in Lindekin groups articles recently. In this economic crisis, the only issue being discussed a lot is how organisations can manage in this difficult time? What are the leadership skills required? This does not apply only to private sector. People are more demanding about public sector organisations too.

In UK, everyone is being scrutinised. Sir Goodwin's huge pension pot does not go down well with ordinary citizens who earn a tiny proportion of what he is getting. MPs' legal but unethical allowances are severely criticised. A complacent society has changed to a questionning society and it is not a bad thing. It is time to rethink the values of our society. Can we do with less? Is money no longer king of our society? What about climate change? Have we gone too far with our love of carbon-guzzling toys - electrical gadgets, cars, planes etc.

The other discussion is about skill development. It is tempting to cut back on skills training for our staff and we are warned about this short term vision. According to Resource Based Analysis model, one valuable asset is Skills. When we are facing economic upturn, we need skilled staff to be on the competitive edge.

In my view, organisations that do not embrace creativity and flexibility will not survive. This includes thinking outside the box, taking risks, trying new things such as embracing technology and mobilising people's power.

What do you think?