Reflections on the Impact of Global COVID-19: from my dining room table in Brussels

There is no question that we are experiencing unprecedented and challenging times with the global impact of COVID-19 on our personal and professional lives.  I never would have imagined that I would spend as much time working from my dining room table as I have the past six weeks, cooked so much at home, and learned by trial and error how to interact best with employees, business partners, and customers through a host of online tools. Having lived on four continents, I learned a long time ago that there is no one right way, especially in times of crisis.

I wanted to share some of my reflections on the impact of global COVID-19 from my dining room table:

1. People and Safety first always. My experiences in large companies that manufacture heavy equipment have taught me first and foremost that it must always be safety first. No time is this more important than today - whether it is in our manufacturing plants, in the field, or in our communities. First, take care of yourselves; take care of each other and stay safe.
2. Home office works. I have always believed in “flexibility” and have not questioned an employee’s desire to work however, wherever, and whenever he or she is most productive. For more than the past decade, I have been in roles requiring travel at least 50-75% of the time outside of my home country. If  I was working in an office, I was always in the company office. Although it does not come naturally to me, I have learned that with the right chair and a good head set, I can also work from home very effectively. Thanks to my patient, more experienced team members for teaching me.
3. Climate change is real. Some of the most startling photos that I have seen of the impact of COVID-19 have been on the environment.  COVID-19 has led to a drop of 200 million tons of CO2 in China since the start of the outbreak, equating to more than 10% of total global emissions. By now, you will likely have seen NASA’s images that clearly show the dramatic decrease in pollution or the equally striking images of the clear waters in the Venice canals. These images need to shape our sustainable efforts going forward.
4. It is a challenge to feel close without being in close proximity.  I obtain my energy from people, and I am inspired by the interactions with employees, business partners, and customers. Prior to COVID-19, I would experience these interactions while on a plane, in a conference room, at site, or at a business dinner. Now, I am working hard to ensure that employees, business partners, and customers feel connected through the computer, videoconferencing tools, phone calls, and email. It is not easy but there is no question that this situation proves “being there” no longer needs to mean in person.
5. Tools matter. I learned quickly that the right headset makes a difference. After experimenting with various videoconference tools: Skype, Webex, Zoom, House Party and Teams, I am convinced that taking the time to use the proper tools matters. However, tools are not enough; I also needed a complete change in attitude. I learned to appreciate having my colleagues see me and connect across the world with my network using whatever mode of communication they were most comfortable. Tools matter, but making the effort to meet people where they are matters most.
6. Creativity abounds.  I have seen many text messages, pictures, and videos shared with creativity and humor across the world during COVID-19. Laughter strengthens the immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh; something for us to remember going forward.
7. How we do business going forward will change. David Hollis said, “In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.” How we do business going forward will undoubtedly change. Something so simple as how we greet each other will be reconsidered. In our shipping industry, remote monitoring of the fleet and automated pre-trip inspections (PTI) will become standard. I would expect to see home deliveries and increasing on-line purchases continue after the confinement periods end. The businesses that will prevail long-term are those that can get in front of changes that our customers will demand.

Despite today’s unprecedented and challenging times, I remain optimistic and focused on what lies ahead.  There is no question that the most important tool we have today is our mindset. As the great Buddha once said, “We are what we think.” And what I think is that I am so fortunate to be able to navigate through these extraordinary times with the assistance and support of so many in the Thermo King organization and beyond, even if it is from my dining room table here in Brussels with a beautiful view.