RISING FROM THE ASHES

While the world battles the corona virus, every entrepreneur’s & Corporate CEO’s thoughts would be on their business--the impact of the lockdown & subsequent recovery. Historically, post any global crises, the world emerges to a “new normal” & each of us are bound to face a period of pain trying to adjust to the new order. Depending on the extent of the lockdown & its impact, some businesses will unfortunately get wiped out, some will suffer damage but limp through but there will be a select few who will emerge stronger than before. These, 2-3% of businesses in each sector—will be those which are led by visionary leaders, the fast movers—traditionally called the “disruptors”, who will take a leap of faith in the unknown future, fearless, with a clear vision, driving a team of believers.

 The worst thing that any leader can do today is to listen to the views of the so called “economists” & base their strategy on their predictions. In the last 2 weeks I have listened to at least a dozen “leading” economists & their solution for recovery. Their views are as disparate as the election analysts. They will be as inaccurate as well. Some will come “close” but none will hit the mark, except coincidentally. It is impossible to make an accurate prediction on such an unprecedented situation. All that they can do is conjecture.

 My personal view is that this lockdown is only suppressing the virus, it’s not eradicating it. A vaccine will take 1-2 years to develop & be tested. The only solution till then will be to allow people to get the exposure to the virus & help develop antibodies naturally & create a natural barrier against further spread. A few may unfortunately succumb to the disease but that is a natural fallout of any past pandemic like cholera, plague, malaria, dengue etc. What the government needs to do is open the markets with basic restrictions & precautionary hygiene & get on with rebuilding the economy. An unexpected side effect of this lockdown has been the creation of “coronanxiety” & “covidiots”.   

 Whenever the government opens the markets, it is important to accept the fact that there is only one thing in this world that has no solution---death. For everything else there are many ways to rise and overcome whatever stands in our path. The faster we stand up, dust ourselves & move forward confidently, the greater will be the chances of recovery.

 What is critical is to keep our teams engaged & motivated through remote communication. When the battle starts our “army” shouldn’t be caught napping, lethargic or unarmed mentally.  

 I, for one, am excitedly looking forward to taking advantage of the fabulous opportunity that I can see hidden in this adversity & soaring high, exactly like the Phoenix does, when it rises from the ashes.

About the Author:

Rajeev is the Founder Director of Grassik Search Pvt Ltd, one of India’s finest search firms, which he established in 1993. Amongst the pioneers of the executive search industry, he is a respected career coach, guide & a mentor who has helped people transition careers successfully across industries & roles. An expert change & innovation driver, he has been instrumental in making GRASSIK the most relevant & successful search firm in the country today.