Australian Tim Haslett (1944-2023) was an enthusiastic thinker and teacher. Below are some excerpts from an obituary-celebration by Tim's Monash University colleagues John Stephens and John Barton, and his brother Stephen Haslett, titled "Master educationalist, Shakespearean scholar and systems thinker".

Tim was an energetic, enthusiastic professor:

... at the first class, Tim introduced himself in a booming voice and an infectious, quirky smile with: "My friends, call me 'Tim'. It’s best we quickly outline some subject content here ... then mull over whatever takes your fancy at the pub."

Tim's own research used graphical methods to capture ideas and develop insights:

True to his enthusiasm for something new, Tim developed a special research interest in the field of non-linear dynamics including the importance of “local rules” in decision-making. Normally, this would have involved mastering the mathematics of complex systems of equations, but Tim was able to avoid this by conceptualising the social and management problems he was tackling using diagramming techniques and the application of the powerful simulation software packages that were becoming available – he let the software do the maths. This led him to completing a PhD in this field.

Tim organized a group, the "Action Research Cohort", of people working on real-world System Dynamics consultation applied to organizational-change challenges while also pursuing their PhDs:

Tim used to think of the "cohort" in cycling terms as a "peloton". Essentially, everyone was on an equal footing, but there was always someone lined up for a final sprint to the PhD line. Participants always got behind this member to support them. Success meant the award of a yellow guernsey signed by all members of the peloton. Tim typically signed off with the words "thanks for the opportunity to work with you".

Reflecting on Tim’s involvement, one graduate, now a respected academic, said: "The difference Tim made to my work and life is so significant. His level of engagement and interest in his students was unsurpassed. His PhD cohort presented the best learning experience in my life. He got me through the difficult times in my thesis, he opened my eyes, he hugely influenced my way of being."

Not all survived the numerous "hill-climbs", but this did not diminish Tim’s support. One participant, whose job disappeared while she was on secondment to another role, humorously noted that "apart from my 'dad', he became the longest standing man in my life, he has truly made a resounding difference".

... deep, wide, high praise indeed – for a top bloke!

(cf Fifth Disciplinarians (2000-09-10), Jack Smart (2013-04-13), ...) - ^z - 2023-04-29