Covid19: Crisis, Opportunity, or Both!

There’s no doubt, Covid19 has created a worldwide crisis. Researchers have now learned so much about the virus and we now know that this virus attacks people differently than any previous virus. But, there is good news. This virus can be killed very easily. Simple hand soap kills the virus in just 20 seconds. It’s easier to kill than most disease causing bacteria. If people will simply take the recommended precautions, we can put this virus behind us and then prevent it from bothering us again.

We know how the virus works and why it’s so troublesome. But, I’m not going to go into the science in this post. I’d rather take the time to talk about the upside of this pandemic and there definitely is an upside. As more and more Americans are spending more time with family, this is an opportunity to get reacquainted. There is also opportunity for businesses that plan well to reorganize and come out of this in excellent shape. There will be those that panic and history does look kindly on those who panic. We can take this situation seriously and adhere to all the recommendations and remain calm! We don’t have to hoard food, water, and toilet paper. The producers and suppliers are doing just fine! They are working around the clock to provide for our needs but they cannot supply enough for our panic!

The panic that has emerged is a product of our minds. The situation is serious and it is real, but it is not apocalyptic. The panic that has arisen is a result of misunderstanding and fear which have overtaken rational thought. To guard against this we must all adopt a more productive thinking frame. We live in the most amazing country on earth. We have abundant opportunities as we navigate this crisis. Here are some of the opportunities we have in front of us: 1) we have the opportunity to assure one another that we care about them and that we are willing to work with them to help all of us emerge from the crisis whole and viable, 2) we have the opportunity to demonstrate that we are willing to sacrifice so that everyone can have their needs met, 3) we have the opportunity to share what we know with others so that they can grow in knowledge and understanding and be better prepared for success when we emerge from this crisis, 4) we have the opportunity to position ourselves so that when this opportunity subsides, and it will, we will be ready to ramp up and take on not only the business that we previously had but also accept new business made available because others did not heed the advice of experts and panicked. Those that panic will have a nearly impossible task to recoup their losses. 5) we have the opportunity to build goodwill in our little piece of the world. Through compassion and caring we can each make our world a better place.

The 5 opportunities I’ve mentioned above, are opportunities that demonstrate to everyone, who pays attention, that you have the caring, considerate demeanor that makes your place of business the place where most people would love to work. Maintaining and improving a great culture through a crisis not only helps your organization survive but it sends the message to everyone that this is a very special place. Every business needs people and every business has a culture. If you show that your culture takes care of your people, the payout will be worth it. We all have the opportunity to do something amazing. Now is that time for generosity not greed, for love not fear, for mindfulness not instinct, and for planning a better future not wallowing in misery! Our thinking frame will dictate our direction. Choose your thinking frame wisely and it will afford you abundant opportunities.