March 19, 2020

Without warning or planning, millions worldwide (those fortunate to keep their day jobs and paychecks) have been asked to maintain some semblance of “business as usual” in a world in complete upheaval. Newscasts are filled with shocking visuals of empty cities, schools, restaurants, airports, and stadiums, spiraling financial markets, and anxiety-elevating prognostications about a real-life, escalating pandemic beyond any horror movie script. The new daily lexicon has instantly mainstreamed phrases such as social distancing, asymptomatic persons, curve flattening, and community spread. “Disruption” does not even begin to describe the upheaval in recent days of a world facing the coronavirus pandemic.

What are some actions you can take every day in these surreal circumstances? Here are four:

Taking Care of Business Means Taking Care of Yourself

First and foremost, this crisis is human. Business is secondary – both globally and in your household. Businesses rely on people and all of us are not only susceptible to virus exposure, but at risk for other ongoing or emerging medical conditions, heightened anxiety, diet declines, and abandonment of exercise habits. Nutrition, mental well-being, and sleep are all greatly jeopardized in times of stress. Your professional well-being depends on your personal wellness – a sharp mind needs a healthy body. Take care of yourself, so you are ready for routine or urgent personal or professional needs that may arise. There is great wisdom in the airline announcement we heard for years, be sure to secure your oxygen before attempting to help those around you. Take care, so you can help others at home and work.

Be The Leader That You Expect Others To Be

Once the new reality of work responsibilities becomes apparent, it becomes natural to question each action and inaction of those in leadership positions. Perhaps many are ill-equipped for the challenge they face or paralyzed by fear of any mistake. Avoid resentment and be the leader in your circle of colleagues that you expect others to be. Extinguish negativity by infusing credible positivity and building trust. Time is scarce and tensions are high—communicate with purpose, clarity, and authenticity. Challenges are exactly the time to be visible, especially when the inclination is the opposite. Your goodness, courage, and lasting contributions will long be remembered and greatly appreciated.

Establish (As Much of) A Routine (As Possible)

For now, forget about the daily morning routine and the commute to work.  The rules have not only changed, they are ill-defined. A rising executive confided in me that, in a few days, he has gone from strategic planning discussions with a Board to be the cook, entertainer, and online grocery shopper at home. In the swirl of news updates, family commitments, and other demands, create a schedule for the week, with the realization that much may be cancelled or postponed. Some schedule will serve better than an open calendar. Find a place in your home for work – only. Just as the kitchen, living room, and laundry area have distinct purposes – separate your work area, regardless of the size of your living space. Compartmentalizing your space will allow for the highest degree of focus when working. Be kind to yourself - routines took years to establish, don’t expect new ones to be perfected in days, especially in pandemic.

Invest in Your Future

Despite the turmoil, these times offer outstanding opportunities to learn and re-think business operations, as well as your career. Companies, by circumstance, are rapidly embracing technologies, re-deploying resources, re-considering financing and cash flow, and examining every “routine” aspect of the business.  Exogenous shocks (9/11, 2008 Financial Crisis, Natural Disasters, etc.) happen and create much despair. As soon as one seems to fade from collective memory, another one occurs - often within two decades. Such times are indeed fights for survival, but those who, then, patiently and persistently think about risk management, future operations, and novel ways to abandon past practice position themselves and their organizations best for the long-term. It may not seem that we can envision beyond the coming weeks, but learning is cumulative and the lasting lessons of experience become valued insight and ageless wisdom. Diamonds are coals transformed at high heat, under immense pressure.

Once this time passes (and hopefully quickly), you will be amazed by the mighty resilience within you, your colleagues, and organization. To survive in the worst of times is the foundation to thrive in the best days.  Keep well – we are all diamonds waiting to shine.

Noah P. Barsky, PhD is a professor at the Villanova University School of Business (USA), executive coach, speaker, author, and business consultant. He can be reached at noah.barsky@villanova.edu. All views and opinions are his alone.

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