Lessons Learned During a Pandemic So Far......

The last few months have been very surreal. Each of my clients and companies I speak to regularly, like us at home, have worked through these uncertain times differently and have been impacted just as uniquely. Here are four main lessons I’ve learned so far.

People Need to be First- those companies who put their people, health and safety first are having the best successes. Those whose industries were hit hard might not have seen the successes yet but they (in my humble opinion) will have the quickest rebound. Companies who treat their people right see their people go above and beyond for them as an organization to see it be successful. Company’s are taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate the people that impact each part of their business from the ground level not just the executive team on the top. This is refreshing to see and I hope to see it continue. Those companies that take the time to talk to and make their people feel cared for have earned loyal employees who will stay dedicated to their organization.

Routine is Important- It’s amazing how adaptable each of us can be. Regardless how uncomfortable things are when there is a shift or change it’s truly outstanding how quickly we as people can adjust our habits when we get back onto a routine. This is a lesson that was very clear with my children. The first few weeks at home trying to balance work and school and trying to keep my kids from killing each other became much more manageable and Doable once a routine was set. I’m not saying a school chart of hour by hour needed to be posted but as quickly as a routine and habits were formed the anxiety of the unknown started to slip away. As I move into Q3- routine will continue to be an important part for my clients and myself to yield the results we all want.

Quiet time- With my family all stuck in a house together with minimum exposure to the outside world I found self-reflection and time to be by oneself literally or with good headphones on to “escape” was extremely helpful to rest my mind and set clear goals. Whether it’s that bike ride with the family or adult coffee time outside with my husband that time of silence and reflection has been a critical part of my day. 

Stress Comes in All Sizes- I find all people handle stress and the unknown differently. Being able to appreciate it for what it is and allowing people to have those moments where they are not their very best is okay. Give others the benefit of the doubt. In the past you’d hear a dog or a kid in the background and it was looked down upon. Now when a kid makes a noise in the background people “get it” and are more understanding and appreciative of everyone’s unique surroundings. Interesting that a Pandemic had to happen for us to all take a moment to reflect how others might be impacted before passing judgement. Before even picking up the phone everyone is now a bit more aware that someone might be handling what’s going on in their lives differently and allowing that to be a part of the conversation. My hope as I approach the rest of the year is to continue to make this a priority. Allowing space to consider each other’s perspectives is important part of being human and all the surrounding events these last few months have emphasized that it’s okay for it to be part of our dialogues and it should continue to be so. We are all in this together.

 Denise Chludzinski

[email protected]