If we’ve learned anything during this pandemic, it’s that some stuff doesn’t matter anymore.
Certain must-adhere-to policies were changed overnight. Lived by routines ceased in a day. Convictions and priorities were reassessed and some even became afterthoughts.
What I thought were must-haves, now seem like trivial whims, both in my personal and professional life.
As leaders we’ve also learned that workplace protocols once firmly in place and rigidly enforced are likely not the go-forward strategy that will meet the new, evolving demands of a scared and fearful, but very engaged workforce. Reminds me of a quote from our co-founder, Dr. Stephen R. Covey when he said, “the quickest way to change your paradigm is to change your role.” How profoundly true. Become a spouse. A parent. A leader. A business owner. A human during a true pandemic. Wow—does your perspective change overnight. You see everything from a different point of view and angle.
Effective leaders are willing to change their minds. That doesn’t mean they don’t align their behaviors and decisions with principles, but that when faced with extraordinary challenges and pressures, they pivot. Quickly.
Many of us are now fortunate, privileged even, to be able to work from home.
This might have seemed like a burden ten weeks ago. Connectivity and wireless bandwidth issues. Nonstop Zoom calls. Checking on (hopefully not on but in) with all of your team members. Paper, toner, administrative support — all of our challenges may be different but the obstacles we face working from home are infinitesimal compared to those who can’t…work…at…all.
I know people in their 50’s and 60’s who were earning justifiable mid-six figures whose jobs were eliminated, some with zero severance. Nothing. Not a dollar. Gone. After decades with their employer. One day they had a $100,000, $200,000, $300,000 job and the next day they had none. Change your role, change your paradigm.
Enter this week with an immense level of gratitude if you have a job that allows you to work from home.
Enter this week excited to join your sixth Zoom call tomorrow. And while you’re practicing unprecedented levels of gratitude, reach out to someone in your network, check-in on them. Are they still working? Could they use some support, emotional, financial, social? Could they possibly tap into your network to build some momentum in their own career search? Could you move your paradigm off your own woes and focus on theirs?
Perhaps let go of some of your own rigid positions. You could be on the other side just as easily as someone else. It could easily be you that needs a call. Or a loan. Or an introduction.
Be grateful. Be kind. Be generous.
And wear a mask.
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