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It’s tempting to define two sides of any issue along traditional party political lines. But it’s not always that clear cut, and the recent divisions around the Covid Pandemic seem to have formed quite differently.
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1/14
In the early days at least, Covid was not divisive; in fact it was one of the rare events that seemed to bring the nation together, across party lines. State and Federal Governments united and responded to an undisputed threat.
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2/14
Recently though a new divide has emerged. Some are seeking political advantage for sure, but rather than a Liberal vs Labor divide, perhaps the debate might be described as Business vs Science. Or Jocks vs Nerds, Project Managers vs Analysts or Extroverts vs Introverts.
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Vic Premier Daniel Andrews has clearly aligned himself with Scientists. And he’s being criticised by many in the Business Community. Why? Is it because Business people and scientists are (generally speaking) different types of people who think in very different ways?
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Entrepreneurs by nature are optimistic. They inspire others to give money, to invest and to work. They strive to create the future, hate negativity and want to make money. When faced with a problem, they commit with certainty to the one and only way it will be attacked.
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5/14
Scientists, though, seek truth. They analyse and persist. They’re sceptics who check and double-check. They are cautious, uncertain, risk averse and don’t jump to conclusions. Money is just means to an end. They see multiple possibilities, risks and uncertainty.
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So, quite different types of people. But who’s right? Well I must disclose that whilst I am self employed and the owner of a small business, I am first and foremost a scientist. So, in line with the personality traits of scientists, I don’t know who’s right.
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7/14
But I will say that when it comes to matters of life and death, which is what we’re dealing with here, the potential downside is huge, and it’s important to understand and accept the risk and the reality.
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8/14
At the extreme end of the spectrum, some business people treat truth as an obstacle, as just one more thing to be overcome. Such people believe they can change the truth by loudly and repeatedly denying it and by painting a preferred rosier alternative.
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This can work in some subjective areas like measures of public opinion –which can be manipulated. It’s also the crux of advertising. But when it comes to matters of physical fact, no matter what anyone says or thinks, a fact is still a fact. Truth is not a democracy.
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Which group is best equipped to comprehend downside risks? Scientists fail all the time, we’re used to it. In fact science has harnessed failure to be a strength. It’s largely through failure that scientists learn. We’re disproving things all the time.
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11/14
Businesses fail too of course. And no doubt, owners of those businesses learn from their mistakes before re-starting. I don’t for a minute imagine it would be a walk in the park, but at least failed entrepreneurs can seek bankruptcy protection before launching again.
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12/14
In contrast, the cost of failure in the health system is much more dire. No opinion-setter can undo the truth of death. There’s no discharge from bankruptcy of death.
Risks are asymmetrical. These groups see them differently because they’re such different personality types.
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Risks are asymmetrical. These groups see them differently because they’re such different personality types.
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Maybe the secret to success is that we listen to and learn from each other. We all have strengths and have something to offer. Just because someone has different views or doesn’t understand us doesn’t make them evil or incompetent.
The common enemy, after all, is Covid.
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The common enemy, after all, is Covid.
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