Business as Unusual

Entire industries are reeling in the biggest public health crisis in our generation. Coronavirus “Work from Home” (WFH) mandates have sent shockwaves through corporations, small businesses, and communities. Very few could have predicted what we have experienced so far in 2020. Some industries are reinventing themselves while others are struggling to survive. The difference? A spirit of innovation, determination, creative use of technology, and a focus on resilience. 

Becoming Resilient 

Even with meticulous planning, many organizations had not conceived the implications of a pandemic across their business. This is sparking a convergence of holistic business vision and outcome-driven practices to lay the foundation for recovery and resilience. Business leaders are prioritizing rigorous contingency planning and gaining new perspective to fortify cross-functional groups and keep their internal and external stakeholders connected. 

Our new business normal has revealed the implications of siloed structures and decisions. Coming through this public health crisis with widespread implications, resilience is now being defined in terms of a cross-functional, organization-wide strategic discussion. “What if…” scenario planning is being leveraged to find weak points at the intersections of business practices and support systems across the operation for the short and long term. Optimal solutions are being debated balancing practicality, effectiveness, and of course, cost. Technology and digital transformation are at the center of conversations with an intensified focus on the people and business processes impacted.  

The Catalyst for Change 

Coronavirus has been a catalyst for rapid adaptation shaping every business in every industry as they have faced multiple unexpected challenges simultaneously. The first order was assessing the technology, connectivity, secure access to tools, and revamping business processes needed to support a remote workforce and functions accustomed to being office-based. Face-to-face customer interactions quickly moved to digital platforms to preserve customer relationships and try to move business forward. New sanitizing protocols were instituted to keep employees and customers safe in the midst of constantly changing rules and recommendations. During the early days of the pandemic, it was totally about survival.  

What has been so interesting is the fortitude with which entire industries are meeting the challenge. Survival measures are driving reinvention and are becoming key ingredients to long-term resiliency.  

Over the next two weeks, I will be sharing stories from several industries disrupted yet determined to rise above the pandemic. I hope you will join the discussion. 

 #Restaurants #FoodServices #TransportationandLogistics #TravelandTourism #Healthcare #Manufacturing #SportsandEntertainment #Agriculture