​A convenor’s role includes summarising group discussions for publication. I have never found that task so challenging as when I’m writing up the Demystifying Psychology Group’s discussion summary. The challenge is doing justice to 2 hours of rich, vibrant, informed, creative, humorous, and unplanned discussion.  So, forgive me dear group members … here goes!

This month we discussed how we have given our life meaning, and our visions for the future – which defy the ever-present age trope. We wondered at the possibility that we are, individually, a lucky collection of molecules in an extraordinarily bigger picture, and we enjoyed questioning many of the historical frameworks (including religion) proffered to explain our existence. Phew!!

As Brian Cox, Professor of Particle Physics, says .. “We just don’t know”.

Here are some links that might take you on a similar journey.

• Some of Benalla’s treasures?

https://www.benalla.vic.gov.au/Your-Community/Seniors/Benalla-Treasures

• Brian Cox on What it Means to be Human.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH7q1QCrz1s

• Psychological perspective on “Why do You Exist?”

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/biocentrism/201111/why-do-you-exist

• Theoretical approach (or Framework) - Erik Erikson’s Stages Of Psychosocial Development

https://www.simplypsychology.org/erik-erikson.html

• Theoretical approach - “Erikson’s Gift: The Developmental Tasks of Adulthood”

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/lifespan-perspectives/201901/erikson-s-gift-the-developmental-tasks-adulthood
​
Maybe Monty Python has the answer!   Enjoy …  https://youtu.be/X_-q9xeOgG4

Please add these dates to your diaries:

1. Discussion Group – Ruby Blue Café, Nunn St, Benalla; Thursday 16 November 2 to 4pm
2. 2023 Review – Ruby Blue Café, Nunn Street, Benalla; Tuesday 28 November 10am to 12pm
3. Celebrating the end of 2023 with lunch (from the menu and at own cost)—North Eastern Hotel, 1 Nunn Street, Benalla; Tuesday 28 November 12 – 2pm.  VIP – Please RSVP by Friday 15 November.  Partners and friends are welcome.

Jane Rushworth 0437 621 575

Andrew McFarlane, now retired, has a long and fascinating association with the commercial flying world. In this discussion session, and within the context of recent changes in Qantas leadership, Andrew described some of the back story to such changes. He explained early days of the Australian aviation industry, the positive culture and pioneering spirit among staff, a strong camaraderie, a sense of adventure, loyalty to the industry, and changes in management focus across eras. Then Covid arrived and, acting as catalyst to management opened the door for leadership to prioritize cost-cutting measures, and strain relations with employees due to layoffs and wage freezes. It seemed staff loyalty was severely bruised, if not lost, and the leadership team was under a cloud. Recent media coverage of Qantas suggests staff and customers have reason to feel a loss of loyalty to an iconic airline.

The purpose of the discussion group is to apply theoretical frameworks to everyday occurrences. In this case we pondered on the concepts of “Loyalty” and “Leadership”.

Loyalty is a strong feeling of support or allegiance (Oxford).

• How is it earned?
• When is it lost?
• Can it be restored, and if so, how?

 
Leadership is varied and is the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and guide followers or members of an organization, society or team (Oxford).

• How would we describe the recent Qantas leadership style?
• What leadership style are we most attracted to and why?
• Do leaders need to be likeable?

"Look after your employees and they will take care of your business. It's as simple as that." Richard Branson.

Enjoy listening to a conductor talk about leadership in Lead Like the Great Conductors. https://www.ted.com/talks/itay_talgam_lead_like_the_great_conductors?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

The next group will meet on Thursday 19 October, 2-4pm, Ruby Blue Café – 67 Nunn Street Benalla.

Jane Rushworth