Out of change and adversity comes opportunity.

We are living through an unprecedented period of change and uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic right now. It's been labelled the 'world's biggest work-from-home experiment.'

With such a change and in the face of adversity. - there are inevitable challenges - but also unprecedented opportunities. With a positive mindset, I firmly believe we will weather the storm and come out better for this as a result. The Dilbert cartoon in the title is a good reminder to focus on both the positives in any situation and also the potential opportunities significant change can bring.

For me personally, the most important thing has been to engage with my team as often as possible - and check in with a video call as often as possible. In the age of instant messaging, it is very easy to text or WhatsApp without actually taking the time to properly 'check-in.' It has been a great opportunity to 'see' my team and other colleagues to make sure people are OK. It is more important than ever to ensure people feel happy, engaged and supported especially when we are forced out of our regular routines. Qualtrics have released their 'Remote Work Pulse' solution for free to support organisations and teams in staying engaged. You can try it yourself below:

Looking at the benefits of this situation has also a shortening of my commute. No longer two trains and a walk each way, rather it is the 15 second walk from the bedroom to the lounge, which has now given me an extra 3 hours a day! I'm able to put that time towards meaningful pursuits - like reading and exercise. To have the luxury of having additional free time, I aim to improve myself in this current period of isolation and quarantine. It's also given me valuable time to pen thoughts like this (and tick off a New Year's Resolution to boot) and try new things (although with no sport on, I'm struggling for my regular go to material!) What are you doing to improve yourself?

An additional benefit is to have a chance to reflect. It is very easy to look at the negative side of the situation we find ourselves in - and it is a negative situation - but we have to look for the positives here, otherwise we drag can ourselves into a spiral of negativity which is no good for anyone. I've come to really appreciate some of the simple things - like a short walk to the local store to get basic supplies. To be able to walk out in the fresh air for 10-20 minutes each day is refreshing both mentally and physically. With the lack of sport on TV, I'm listening to more music than ever - is there a more apt song than this right now?

Finally, it has been a chance to recognise what is important and practice gratitude. Whilst a lot of my passions have had to be put on hold for now, it's giving me time and space to work on other things and learn new things which will hopefully help me become a better person and individual. I've got an awful lot to be thankful for right now. Together, we will weather the storm and get through this. Stay safe everyone!