Intersection of History

how we almost have forgotten how covid changed the way we live and work!

"The things that change our lives, will often walk in unrecognized" (John Foxx)

I've long been captivated by the exquisite poem of John Foxx, "Unrecognized." Its opening lines resonate deeply: 'the things that change our lives, will often walk in unrecognized'. It's only upon reflection afterwards that we realize we've stood at the crossroads of history.

In December 2019 and early January 2020, driven by a longstanding dream, I embarked on a journey to visit Shanghai and the Wuhan region in China. My aim was to witness firsthand the economic dynamism of these cities. Alongside exploring Wuhan, I ventured to a factory in Kunshan and Shanghai. As a mere tourist, I curiously explored several animal markets in Wuhan, encountering myriad bats.

Towards late December 2019, the COVID pandemic officially took root in the province of Wuhan, China. Dr. Li Wenliang, the Chinese physician who initially shared findings about a 'SARS-like coronavirus' within medical circles, tragically faced resistance from authorities. Sadly, Dr. Li Wenliang passed away in January 2020. Denial, a common reaction to pandemics, marked the initial phase of the crisis.

During my holiday in late December 2019 and January 2020, I witnessed some of the final glimpses of normalcy in the Wuhan region before the onset of a severe lockdown that would reshape the world. A sense of impending crisis loomed, yet the full extent remained unfathomable. The decision by authorities to allow us to travel back initially provided relief, though hindsight revealed its risks.

?Denial mostly marks the initial phase of any pandemic in history.

Denial often marks the initial phase of a pandemic, a trend echoed in the emergence of COVID. As the virus spread across Europe, its impact became increasingly evident. From the first reported cases in France in late January to the first COVID-19 death in Italy on February 21st, the continent witnessed a cascade of events leading to widespread lockdowns by early March 2020.

Addressing the nation, former Chancellor Angela Merkel aptly described COVID as Germany's greatest challenge since World War II, underscoring the severity of the pandemic's impact on Europe. The response to the crisis varied across countries in Europe, with Italy, Spain, and France implementing stringent measures while Sweden and the Netherlands adopted a softer approach.

The advent of COVID precipitated a profound transformation in the way we work. The widespread adoption of remote work represents one of the most significant experiments in modern labor practices, catalyzing a shift towards a more flexible and environmentally conscious work culture. This transition is further propelled by generational shifts, as millennials, characterized by their quest for meaningful experiences, replace retiring baby boomers in the workforce. Moreover, advancements in technology have facilitated new modes of collaboration, necessitating a reevaluation of traditional organizational structures.

In this evolving landscape, the concept of the co-creation employee emerges as pivotal. Co-creation skills, encompassing collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication, are essential attributes for navigating dynamic project environments. Maintaining a robust professional network and prioritizing skill development are integral to staying agile in an ever-changing work environment.

Reflecting on the challenges posed by the pandemic, the longing for interpersonal connection emerges as a common sentiment.

?Steve Jobs wanted the office layout to encourage unplanned meetings“

As exemplified by leaders like Steve Jobs, fostering unplanned interactions within organizations remains crucial for nurturing creativity and innovation, as well as fostering strong bonds among team members.

Preparing for the future in the wake of the COVID pandemic requires a multifaceted approach to adapt to the accelerated digitalization of our world, both as individuals and organizations. Here's how:

1.??? Cultivate Vitality: Begin by nurturing your personal vitality. Amid pressures from work and family life, it's crucial to reinvent yourself frequently and generate fresh ideas. Vitality is the cornerstone of resilience in the face of change.

2.??? Embrace Lifelong Learning: Engage in continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning. Actively seek out new knowledge and insights to stay relevant in your professional sphere. Prioritize the development of an infrastructure that facilitates ongoing learning.

3.??? Foster Post-COVID Leadership: Transition to post-COVID leadership styles characterized by deep thinking and asking the right questions. Inspired by Jim Collins' concept of 'level 5 leadership,' prioritize humility and determination over ego-driven leadership.

4.??? Promote Fearless Communication: Create an environment conducive to fearless communication where individuals feel empowered to voice their opinions and concerns. Draw insights from the work of Amy Edmondson to encourage open dialogue and harness collective intelligence.

5.??? Balance Remote and Onsite Work: Strike a balance between remote work and office-based collaboration. Recognize the value of concentration and productivity in remote settings while also acknowledging the importance of in-person interaction for fostering relationships and inspiration.

6.??? Embrace Co-Creation: Embody the qualities of a co-creation employee by integrating skills that inspire organizational growth. Challenge yourself and others to reach new levels of collaboration and innovation, echoing the sentiment of JF Kennedy in asking what you can do for your company.

We can make mistakes, and let the street lights hide the moonlight (John Foxx)

Reflecting on the lessons learned from the COVID pandemic, it becomes apparent that vulnerability and resilience are inherent aspects of our existence. As we navigate this intersection of history, let us emerge wiser and more attuned to the fragility of life, cherishing each moment and embracing the opportunities for growth and connection that lie ahead.

Roel van der Poort

(this article is written on personal title)

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