Bilge Rat blog: Industry leadership

THERE is an economic cycle of supply and demand in all industries. All are predictable, except no one expected the princes of the banking world to stuff it all up with incredibly greedy, self centred management of the world’s banking system that bought the western economy to its knees. That is every country except Australia.
 
The essential attributes of a successful leader, according to the US managing guru, Steven R Covey, is that they should have three attributes: The strength of their personality; the strength of their industry and general knowledge and ability to pass this knowledge to staff to listen and implement successful initives; and thirdly, to identify the future direction of the organisation.
 
Do we have clear minded leaders with a unbiased knowledge of the political process, and of the marine industry? Does anyone have the ability to inform, consult and implement the changes necessary to make more winners, and less losers? Can anyone identify, educate the industry, and lobby politically, for a viable way ahead? Is it possible for such a leader to emerge in the current industry climate? What will be the outcome if such a leader, or leaders, do not emerge?
 
Boat building companies are adapting to market forces, and introducing more value added product and services. There will always be a strong demand for commercial and special service craft.
 
However pleasure craft is more doubtful. The average punter is always looking for the best value for money.
 
Fundamental to the Australian Marine industry is that new boats continue to be sold, irrespective of where they are manufactured. There is a large pool of used boats that will support the industry in the short term, but absolutely fundamental in the medium to long term is new boat sales.
 
Marine Industry leaders, both business owners, and administrators, hopefully will leave their political bias aside and continue to effectively implement action at State BIA and Federal ABIA levels that takes into account changing conditions, and facilitates new boat sales

With every change there will be winners and losers, but one thing is certain, there will be change. The winners among us will be those that identify the need for and implement change. I admit this is easier said than done, but never the less it is what makes winners and losers.