COVID-19: Responding to the waiting game

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the world and America, I’ve felt that I could not post a blog without addressing this unprecedented-in-our lifetime pandemic.

While waiting to see how the coronavirus pandemic and sheltering-in-place will play out, and grappling with my own anxiety and uncertainty, I paused my blog and newsletter for a while. I wanted to prepare a response that’s reflective of my own experience; and not to offer an interpretation of the information that’s changing as a fast as it’s being presented.

Professionally I’m a resource and advocate for family businesses. I teach best-management practices of multi-generational family enterprises; work with family members on improving family dynamics; advise on business growth and entrepreneurial leadership. Personally, I’m a husband; father; believer in higher purpose in our lives.

In my virtual-video conversations with clients I see people grappling with uncertainty, yet plowing ahead. And I see others for whom the pandemic is overwhelming, if not paralyzing. I understand both reactions.

Settling into our new reality, my internal strategy for maintaining a practical, emotional grip on the situation has become, “I can do only what I have control of: washing hands, social distancing, and doing all I can to keep my family safe and healthy.”

As I write this, there appears to be a glimmer of light. The number of new cases is stabilizing in major cities around the world. Still there remain precautionary statements that the disease might return. We should not let our guard down too soon.

I’m grateful to and appreciative of the many first responders and healthcare providers who continue to put their lives on the line for us. And I appreciate and support those businesses that provide essential goods and services we all need to in order to survive.

We are all human. We are all striving to keep our families safe, sane and healthy. I am striving to remember all the lessons I’m being taught by this pandemic. An axiom pertaining to family businesses transitions comes to mind: “respect the past and keep an eye on the future.”