By David Brewster September 2006
He achieved more in his life than most of us would if we were given twice the time. He built a following that most politicians can only dream of. He was as recognisable as the most prominent Hollywood actor. And, for me, he was a poster-child of simplicity with lessons for all of us. He was Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.
Lesson 1: Use simple language. Steve Irwin's language was down-to-earth and devoid of jargon. Whether talking to a bunch of school-kids or chatting with royalty, his turn of phrase was the same. Irwin was a patch of blue sky in a world rendered increasingly grey under clouds of euphemism, doublespeak and obfuscation.
Lesson 2: Just act. Irwin was a man who preferred to do rather than ponder. This approach did get him into trouble, most notably when he performed a public crocodile feeding whilst holding his baby son. But for every step back he also took two steps forward in the time it takes most of us to put our shoes on.
Lesson 3: Be hands on. The Crocodile Hunter was not a person who would expect anyone to do something that he wouldn't do himself. No stunt doubles here. I doubt this was his intention, but his style certainly meant he earned the respect of those working with him without the need for contrived 'meet-the-troops' drinks and nibbles.
Lesson 4: Be authentic. Steve Irwin wore khaki shorts and a khaki shirt whether fighting crocodiles, appearing on television sets or attending a garden party. This bloke didn't need a suit for a mask. As it happens, khaki isn't my colour. But it would be nice to think that I could dress simply and still be the same 'me' I want the world to know.
Lesson 5: Be focused. Irwin was, above all else, a conservationist. Everything he did was aimed at encouraging us to be at least a little bit conservationist too. Focus magnified his effectiveness because it made it easy for everyone - staff, media and public - to know what he stood for and join his war on nature terror.
Lesson 6: Simple doesn't mean slack. Steve Irwin demonstrated that working hard and achieving simplicity are not contradictions. In fact, combining them is a great way to get a lot done. Imagine how much you could achieve if you didn't need to waste so much time performing paperwork and pandering to politics.
There were those who saw Irwin as "low brow" and crude. His language wasn't sophisticated. He sometimes acted without consulting the spin-doctors. He got his hands dirty. He dressed up for no one. But he made millions see nature differently and leaves a legacy that will last generations.
It was said about Steve Irwin that he lived 88 years worth of life in his 44 years. How many of us could expect the same epitaph?
Steve Irwin: 1962 - 2006
©September 2006 Business Simplification