"How Can I Help?"

As nearly every individual sees unprecedented news of unparalleled proportions, I hear the echoes of this question from so many across an immense variety of industries.

When it is of prime importance for people, communities, and nations to band together to support and combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a natural feeling. I believe I can speak upon the international notion that we have been reminded of how thankful we are for essential healthcare workers in the driver’s seat dealing with this crisis and that thanks can resound and resonate. Having returned home from university and continuing remote learning and work from home, I feel very fortunate to have the unique perspective of physicians on the frontlines who give a glimpse into the visceral reality of the time at hand along with an informative basis of knowledge from one end as we all seek pertinent and true news. As I sit in the afternoons and listen to healthcare professionals in my family come home and relay messages from their days in the hospital, many times I am left wondering what part I can play in helping relief efforts.

Many times, all that we can do is the best that we know how, and that is all we as humans can capably be called upon to do, in fact. It is not a question of procuring a new set of skills, but rather reflecting on our strong-suits and repertoire of existing fine-edged capabilities and refining them to serve in any capacity for the greater good.

Entities like LVMH, Kering, L'Oréal, Ralph Lauren, and innumerable international entities alike, have set an extraordinary example of using their resources and their cultivated knowledge within their industries to do their best in the area that they are subject-matter experts. From renowned parfumiers now manufacturing sanitizing hand gel to be distributed to supreme ateliers stitching medical gowns and masks, we can see many renowned industry leaders further lead their market and the larger international community in a new way: navigating global needs. In times when we are faced with uncertainty and are tasked with thinking through what we can do, we can best serve and contribute by relying on the strengths we are certain we possess.

Of course, this comes with much introspection and reflection and requires that we understand ourselves and can truly analyze our inner strengths. Growth and the generation of a new extension that we hope to harness is something that takes time. Through much thought, if we can really magnify what realms we are comfortable and competent within, we can marry our strengths and resources to contribute to new areas that are uncharted and less within our range of comfort. Through finding that match and harmony of strengths and resources, and thoughtfully pairing the two, we are able not only to contribute to causes greater than ourselves, but potentially bring just a touch of comfort in new areas and unfamiliar terrain during uncertain times for ourselves, our colleagues, and our fellow citizens.

From putting one’s best foot forward in a new way of "working from home" to adapting to company changes, and even contributing to temporary brand expansions that allow corporations to contribute to an international crisis, it all begins by asking how we can help. By indicating the need for aid and further identifying how you can offer any amount of assistance through assessing where your wheelhouse of strengths can help in uplifting your monthly goal, your company’s growth, and ultimately the universe’s cause, a pebble cast into a stream sends waves of help across oceans

This deep self-examination and a slight shift in ordinary procedures cant not only be a great contribution of resources, but an even greater offering of inspiration. We truly never know the impact that our actions and even the mindful motives behind them might have on motivating others - whether we see and speak with them, or virtually come into contact with them from a distance. While major businesses that are so loved for their regular products and services develop an essence of confidence and competence in contributing to help, it is seen far beyond the inside of company headquarters. Consumers feel the palpable change in procedures, but seeing them in a new light and witnessing an entity channel their strengths to contribute to the root of this change not only grows admiration but, fosters inspiration to the fellow market and their fellow man. What once appeared to be a withering weed can bloom into a beautifully unique blossom never seen in ordinary gardens, just by spreading radiance and light.

Who knows who may be inspired? From beauty beacons shifting dressing rooms to Zoom and virtual product samples to online platforms, and ateliers using massive means of production to assemble racks of medical gowns to individuals adopting old hobbies and finding scraps of fabric to stitch simple medical masks for their communities, every effort is a notable change. Regardless of the size or the type, no contribution is too small to be felt or too humble to be unheard, and the smallest of gestures might just inspire ripples of vision and vigor to seek our capability to contribute.

Hear the call for help.

Ask if you are able to adapt and offer assistance.

Dare to take the time to become a bit uncomfortable with internally analyzing and assessing how.

Believe that whatever strengths you find, in whatever area they lie within, can contribute to unprecedented parts of a whole.

Funnel your strengths and fuel your passion to serve in the most effective way possible.

With a few extra minutes we seem to find within our days, take a second, and find your strengths.

They are where we can all find our outlet to contribute to the greater good, growing ourselves and our world through mutual helpfulness