Shining in the Shadow of an Epidemic

M. Tamra Chandler

 The COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat not seen in generations. This global event threatens all elements of life as we know it: our health, our loved ones, our freedom, our livelihoods, and the communities and businesses we’ve built. As this reality sinks in, it’s only natural that our focus turns first to safety and security, both for our families and for the people who make up our teams, organizations, and businesses. Once we’re feeling some modicum of security, we tend to turn our attention to seeking meaningful connections with our families, peers, and even the strangers who share images and ideas on social media that assure us that we are not alone in this battle. This is all good, as these connections form the basis for our mental wellness and health.

For some, this may be as far as we go. Perhaps we can’t get past the fear and anxiety caused by the negative impacts we personally experience or witness around us. Maybe we believe this is the best we can do, and we simply hunker down and wait it out. And why shouldn’t we? We can’t go to the movies, socialize with friends and families, welcome our customers into our (non-essential) stores, attend our business conferences, or make that in-person sales call. So it’s natural to ask ourselves if there is any achievable goal beyond safety and connection during a global pandemic. I’m here to tell you there is.

Those of us who feel safe and connected have a rare opportunity to wring some goodness out of this horrible situation. The profound challenges created by this crisis provide a temporary yet unparalleled platform for deep learning and growth as individuals and organizations, which will better equip us for what awaits us beyond this crisis. Now is the time for every individual, leader, and organization to help others, solve problems, innovate, and contribute — in short, to show their true mettle. We have been presented a challenge, and an opportunity, like no other; merely standing pat and settling for a return to the status quo after the dust settles would be an opportunity lost.

If you’re leading an organization or team, or if you’re just trying to maintain a positive, progress-oriented state that allows for learning and growth, here are a few ideas on how to meaningfully contribute and thrive during the COVID-19 crisis:

Lead with purpose: For all purpose- and values-led organizations, this is your time to unquestioningly demonstrate that you mean it, even in the worst of times. Leaders, teams, and organizations that courageously take actions guided by their purpose and values will build trust both inside and outside their walls, while also deepening employee connections to the organization and what it stands for. Doing the right thing and extending your reach and impact beyond what’s expected by your people, your customers, or your communities will create levels of commitment and affection unattainable in normal times. We’ve already witnessed organizations shining in this way: people-first organizations prioritizing the safety and security of their people, customer-centered organizations waiving fees and offering extra services to those they serve, or community-oriented organizations reaching out to help neighbors and other small businesses in their ecosystem. Actions like these, guided by a clarity of purpose, will not only be valued for the goodness they provide today, but they also ensure you will exit this calamity stronger and more ready for whatever comes next.

Innovate with abandon: It may be a cliché, but it is true that necessity is the mother of invention. The chaos of the current environment can be a great catalyst for creative insights and novel solutions. The analysis, debate, and risk tolerance that routinely crush new ideas and innovative thinking have no place in the days of COVID-19. What’s needed now are urgent responses and creative thinking. You may feel like you’re living in a box 24/7, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thinking outside the box. Confronted daily by a shifting landscape filled with vexing problems, we must respond by leaning into our organizations, teams, and personal strengths to seek unique solutions. Imagine what can be accomplished when you challenge your people to apply your organization’s collective capabilities and know-how to tackle today’s most pressing internal challenges and external market and customer opportunities: What kind of value could you create? What impact might you have? How empowering would it be for your people to be presented with focused and compelling ways to contribute?

Build unbreakable bonds: Nothing builds lasting, trusted relationships more than going through hell and back together. We are waging war on a common enemy, and we need to show up to this fight authentically, willing to share our vulnerability and to focus not just on ourselves but on how we can serve the common good. By doing so we’ll forge new bonds with people and teams we barely know, while strengthening bonds with those we already know well. The worst of times challenge us to be at our best: to connect, to care, and to deepen our relationships with others.

 We will come though this dark time and we will move forward together, and the decisions we make and the actions we take today will be crucial to influencing how we all come out on the other side. What will be your legacy when this chapter of history is written? If it’s true that pressure makes diamonds, how much will you shine?

 Call to Action: To put your organization and people on the path to shine, consider the following:

·      Are your organization’s actions clearly demonstrating your purpose and values?

·      Are front-line leaders prepared to help their teams address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges?

·      Are teams connected and aligned on how best to contribute at this time? Are they empowered to take action?

·      Are you actively innovating for your customers and others?

·      Will you look back at this time with pride in how you and your people responded in this crisis?