How learning could win during crisis

In our local news:

"Ipagpaliban ang training o iba pang mga pagtitipon."

(Trainings or other events and gatherings should be cancelled)

Let me tell you how my company takes it differently.

Because we operate in the utility space, we can't afford to shutdown or operations (telco and energy). During this unusual scenario, we had to come up with a strategy to support the business. So here’s what we did.

First, training efforts have been intensified. We pushed our upskilling and cross-skilling efforts so we can move people around. Those who could work from home attended virtual training classes so they could support other lines of businesses. Our trainers had to facilitate classes in ways they’ve never done before.

Second, we are launching a learning app because we want everyone in the org to have the same understanding on 1: anything about COVID-19, we took information from highly reliable sources minimizing the risk for our staff to get unreliable information; 2: how to keep self sane, safe, and productive during this crisis, 3: how to keep the company team spirit high by highlighting what great team players and great leaders do in a time of crisis. All these can be accessed by any employee using any device.

Whoever said training should be cancelled is not thinking it through. In these uncertain times, people need to be more skilled to adapt to changes quickly, to learn how to be efficient and productive when working remotely, leaders need to learn how to lead during a crisis.

For other companies, fear is winning but in #amaysim #learningiswinning. Because if we continue to learn during this crisis, then maybe this is all worth it in the end.