About the masterclass

The ability to foresee and deal with strategic challenges defines a senior practitioner. However, wicked problems - complex clusters of overlapping challenges - can pose serious challenges regardless of experience. This Masterclass draws on lived experiences of senior practitioners, breaks these down using both ethical and power frameworks, and provides participants with comprehensive management strategies to respond to, and prevent, the wicked problems.

In this practical, interactive session, you will explore

The nature of wicked problems, their nature, underlying causes and potential consequences. We source a number of case studies from participants of each Masterclass and use these anonymised examples as test cases, breaking down the challenge using a variety of ethical frameworks to better understand the complexitites of each one and the underlying causes. We then applyl our patented theory of power dynamics to help develop comprehensive solutions with participants each session.

Who should attend?

Experienced environmental practitioners who have encountered wicked challenges in their work that they would like to understand better and/or develop better solutions to. Experienced practitioners who want to prepare strategies for such problems emerging in the future. Practitioners who manage teams or who manage complex and challenging clients, or who have multiple antagonistic stakeholders to deal with.

We also welcome young and emerging practitioners who want to add some advanced skills to their portfolio, or who have already encountered wicked problems in their career.

Meet the speakers

Gordon Young is the principal of Ethilogical Consulting. He is a professional ethicist specializing in power dynamics and culture management. He has most recently worked with the NSW Public Service Commissioner uplifting the Capability Framework used for all government hiring, and previously worked on the Victoria Police culture change program and their ethics training uplift initiative. He is also the author of Power and the Professional, published by McFarland Press.

Nathaniel Lamb is an ethicist and educator with over twenty years’ experience across secondary and tertiary education. He has taught English, Humanities and Philosophy in a wide range of Victorian government schools, and lectured in Professional and Business Ethics at RMIT University. Nathaniel’s work focuses on the practical application of ethical frameworks in professional and institutional contexts, with particular interest in decision-making, responsibility and the relationship between systems and individual conduct.

Not an EIANZ member?

Consider joining as a student, associate or full member today! To receive the member rate for the workshop, make sure you apply for membership prior to registering for the event! Join here →

CPD points