We know all the phrases, “look for the silver lining,” “there are opportunities in a crisis,” and “leaders are born in wars.” There is truth to all of these, maybe even some motivation and solace.
Not to diminish or deny that much has been lost, changed, or left open in this pandemic. Many people have suffered unthinkable amounts of pain and suffering. We respect and honor their courage and resilience. I do think there can be a silver lining, opportunities, and leadership emergence for many of us.
There have also been surprises. We have learned things about ourselves and others we never knew, appreciated, or questioned. Awareness of the world and people around us gives one a sense of control, maybe makes us proud, and surely can be comforting.
These are some of the things I have learned either through my own actions and observations or gathered from others.
What we have lost, what we’ve gained, and the opportunities presented.
Lost: Commuting is private time. It allows us to transition from office to home. For some people it is a chance to catchup on e-mails, meditate, read. Depending on the mode of transportation, sometimes it might be nap time. Whatever the activity, it is often without interruption and prepares us for the family shift we are about to enter. We miss it. It is hard to replace while sheltering-in.
Gained: Working from home has given many of us extra sleep time, especially in the morning. We are a generation who denies our sleep deprivation even though we know our grandparents slept 25-40% more than we do today. We are starting to realize what a gift that extra hour can bring.
Opportunity: Change your relationship with sleep and down time. I encourage people to schedule bedtime rather than have it happen once you have finished all your chores or put down your smart phone. See sleep as a prescription you take every night. Measure the results.
Lost: We have witnessed an unprecedented number of layoffs. If you are one of those people, it is devastating and scary. I am sorry. Let me know how I can help. If you are a manager who was forced to deliver this terrible news to someone you liked and respected it was probably one of the hardest conversations you have ever had (on Zoom no less). It also means your workload has increased exponentially. If you were fortunate and only had to read or hear the ever-growing statistics through news channels, you were still impacted.
Gained: The chance to learn what others do and who they are. This could be a learning experience, an increase or freshening of skills and a time to determine efficiencies and savings. It may be long ago that you worked at such a junior level. You may be surprised by what you find and who were your best players.
Opportunity: Become an important support system to impacted employees. This is when you offer to write a reference, LinkedIn recommendations, and give resume and networking advice. I know it takes time, but it is an excellent way to release survivor’s guilt and you never know where people will land.
Lost: Discovered that leaders we admired don’t care or can’t execute. They rely solely on data to make decisions, are incompetent, and can be very self-involved. We have seen this at the highest levels of government and corporations. It can be scary and dangerous. It makes us question our security and choice of employer.
Gained: Make numerous, difficult, and unique decisions demanded by the pandemic. Hard times bring the best out in many of us. It shows us how colleagues work, their ethics, and attitudes. Who puts people’s safety over financial security? Who takes a behind the scenes, “it’s not my problem” posture, and who steps up willing to do anything to make things better? It can be surprising in many good ways. Your perspective of the people in charge and the company are enhanced and your loyalty increases. Many of my executive coaching clients have been pleasantly surprised at their own leadership abilities and those of others.
Opportunity: Challenges continue as the crisis evolves calling for different aptitudes and skills. Smart organizations pick the best for the role, not necessarily the highest ranking. This could be you. If you are top dog, be hyperaware that you are being judged at every turn. Watch you tone, be careful not to use “I” too often (except when taking responsibility for an important decision), listen more than talk. Watch Andrew Cuomo.
Lost: Eating out prevents loneliness and now we can’t do it. Particularly if you live alone and/or in an urban environment with tight living space, you rely on restaurants, cafes, food carts for meals and entertainment. It’s where you relax and enjoy the company of others. With that taken away, isolation increases, meeting up with friends and colleagues might only be in an electronic format.
Gained: Most of us are eating healthier. Home cooking has fewer calories because portions are controllable and generally less high in fat. People are either going back to preparing meals or enjoying cooking for the first time. Because food supplies are unreliable, we plan better, and better is often less impulsive and more nutritious. In many instances it saves us money. Prep time can be family time, something your waiter is not interested in.
Opportunity: We fantasize going back to dining-out. We know who we will eat with and where. This is all good. Having something to look forward to makes hard times more tolerable. But there is the chance to alter the ratio, order on the outside how we ate when home, think of other forms of socialization that don’t include food and save some money for a different treat.
Our losses are many. They are of a scope and magnitude that will stay with us for an exceptionally long time. There have also been triumphs in how people care for others under the most trying circumstances, their willingness to help, and their determination to make things better. Each of us is having a unique experience. Our losses and gains are different and so will be the opportunities.
Leave a Reply