So what if we could have a virtual or socially distanced get together without discussing COVID-19. Is that even possible? It seems pretty unrealistic but could evolve into a norm with a little practice. Just ask heads of private equity firms in Boston who evidently have set aside Zoom calls to do group walks six feet apart, according to PE Hub.
For the rest of us who already take daily walks, it’s May Day so let’s dance around the flagpole, https://www.almanac.com/content/what-may-day while reviewing a few points to help endure the crisis. Everyone seems to have a list of lessons learned, but few seem able to suspend judgments in the face of the unknown. Believe it or not, that’s actually normal.
For the rest of us who already take daily walks, it’s May Day so let’s dance around the flagpole, https://www.almanac.com/content/what-may-day while reviewing a few points to help endure the crisis. Everyone seems to have a list of lessons learned, but few seem able to suspend judgments in the face of the unknown. Believe it or not, that’s actually normal.
Here’s something to look forward to: The Thanksgiving table when we can resume talking about sports, the weather or latest streaming show that Mom hasn’t seen. While avoiding politics, religion, and now, COVID-19. Can you refill my wine glass, please? Following are a few views through to the other side whenever that may occur:
1.) Don’t confuse beliefs and position with learning and adaptability. Because whatever conclusions you’ve drawn so far may be wrong. From the outset of the pandemic, all the way back in early March, it’s been shocking to watch and listen to ignorance when it comes to science. One friend, who is from New York and currently lives under a local rock, asked during the second week whether I knew anyone who actually had the virus. As if to suggest that since everyone was walking around Home Depot close by without masks that things were hunky dory. My answer, before quickly getting off the phone, was no, not directly, but that I do know others who have friends who have the virus.
1.) Don’t confuse beliefs and position with learning and adaptability. Because whatever conclusions you’ve drawn so far may be wrong. From the outset of the pandemic, all the way back in early March, it’s been shocking to watch and listen to ignorance when it comes to science. One friend, who is from New York and currently lives under a local rock, asked during the second week whether I knew anyone who actually had the virus. As if to suggest that since everyone was walking around Home Depot close by without masks that things were hunky dory. My answer, before quickly getting off the phone, was no, not directly, but that I do know others who have friends who have the virus.
There is still a ton to learn about this pandemic, and if that statement makes you want to crawl under a rock, you’re not alone. Just remember that no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
2.) Avoid absolutes. You don’t know what you don’t know and that’s okay. None of the experts do either. Simply take the next step. A client/friend who runs a restaurant recently started a Facebook page after years of resisting change. That may sound caveman-like, but when you’re running a very successful business without the time suck of social media, then why would you change unless you have to? They’re paying their rent this month with curbside to go so all is good right now in this case. Far too many others can’t say the same.
3.) Take this time to reassess if you can. But do so with caring and compassion, both for yourself and others. Another friend/advisor recently shared some sharp truth when asked what he thought about the current ad line: We’re all in this together. ”Technically, we’re not,” he said. “We’re actually all in this alone, at a social distance. But we will pull through this together.” Bravo, Senior Contrarian. With most of the nation single or on their own, this was a great reminder to always level things off, first with yourself then others. Political leaders simply aren’t willing to do this, nor will they ever. But let’s not go there right now.
2.) Avoid absolutes. You don’t know what you don’t know and that’s okay. None of the experts do either. Simply take the next step. A client/friend who runs a restaurant recently started a Facebook page after years of resisting change. That may sound caveman-like, but when you’re running a very successful business without the time suck of social media, then why would you change unless you have to? They’re paying their rent this month with curbside to go so all is good right now in this case. Far too many others can’t say the same.
3.) Take this time to reassess if you can. But do so with caring and compassion, both for yourself and others. Another friend/advisor recently shared some sharp truth when asked what he thought about the current ad line: We’re all in this together. ”Technically, we’re not,” he said. “We’re actually all in this alone, at a social distance. But we will pull through this together.” Bravo, Senior Contrarian. With most of the nation single or on their own, this was a great reminder to always level things off, first with yourself then others. Political leaders simply aren’t willing to do this, nor will they ever. But let’s not go there right now.
4.) Single greatest rule during change: Not doing something is doing something. It’s okay to sit at home, not work and do nothing. Just know what you are doing. Not doing something can often create extra space to do something better. Ask anyone not directly impacted by this virus whether the time has been productive or unproductive. Some lives have been restored despite the tragedy of the pandemic. Isn’t that called redemption by some definition? Families are eating dinner together again. April in Atlanta has been most beautiful. Surreal is a word that comes up often in my mind. You may have another favorite term.
5.) Finally, and this is one is geared more to larger businesses: People, purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive and should never be viewed that way. Companies that get all three right during the current season will have achieved something epic, as the hipsters like to say. For those whose livelihoods, customer bases and marketplaces have vanished into thin air, our hearts and minds remain open to help envision and act upon what may come next. Involuntary change is brutal and suggests softening the Darwin line, adapt or die. Good thing there’s still hope and that’s a wonderful thing. Perhaps the best of things. — Andy Dufrane, “Shawshank Redemption.”
