A Crisis or Transformation?

The global pandemic has changed lives. It has changed business as we know it in just a matter of a few weeks. but, is it really a Crisis or Transformation?

It has changed the psyche of hundreds of millions of people and has shocked us into a ‘new and somewhat uncertain normal’. Many of the outcomes of this virus have been negative, but COVID 19 has propelled us forward in positive ways too.

Affected Industries

There are industries that were immediately and dramatically affected by the crisis. Food service, retail and transportation will not look the same as they did only a few month’s ago. Social Distancing, contact less transactions and new cleaning requirements will force businesses in many industries to change and sadly some will not survive. They will be unable to adapt and shift to meet the new marketplace demands. Crisis or Transformation?

The lock downs world-wide have plunged many economies into recession and unemployment numbers reflect a real economic winter. But at the same time, it has brought many unimaginable opportunities. Opportunities which will further change our lives for the better, in the long-term.

Health

This crisis has thrust health, communication of disease and proper cleaning to the forefront. Doctors and health experts have lived with these truths, but most of us took them for granted. Suddenly, we are all more conscious of ways to keep ourselves healthy. The organisations that shifted and adopted new cleaning procedures, installed protocols on social distancing and tele-work, have been able to stem the tide of the economic downturn. The ones who didn’t panic and planned and pivoted to address the limitations of the lock down situations, are not only standing as localities start reopening, they are more equipped and positioned to excel long after the virus fades away.

Business Change

Businesses who have changed the way they deliver their products and expanded their online presences have found new ways to serve customers. They have likely taken customers left under-served by shuttered businesses because they choose to transform their business quickly and decisively. Their owners found opportunity when most found and or perceived doomsday. Crisis or Transformation?

Ask yourself.
  • Are you a person who looks for what will work or do you identify only the obstacles in your way?
  • Do you immediately go on the defense or do you pivot to an offensive mindset to overcome challenges?
  • Can you marshal resources and galvanise others to find solutions or do you resign yourself to a negative outcome?

Mindset and your willingness to find some sort of positive in every situation will get you through. It is not about being Chicken Little or a Pollyanna, it is about being in the moment. Be present and finding actionable, creative ways to address the challenges you face. You don’t ignore the difficult or negative aspects of a situation but you don’t let them stop you from moving forward. Crisis or Transformation?

Here are some historical examples of people who despite the obstacles choose to find the bright beam of hope and carried on…

William Shakespeare:

Faced jail, the black plague, the death of an only son and the burning of his beloved theater and still wrote more than 37 plays and hundreds of sonnets that are today, some 500 years later, the gold standards in theatrical works and poetic genius.

Albert Einstein:

Flunked maths early in his youth and many of his teachers felt he would never be very successful. He developed the theory of relativity and changed the world through math and science theory anyway.

Helen Keller:

Born deaf, dumb and blind she became a renowned author, political activist and educator. Helen Keller received her degree in the hallowed halls of Harvard.

The list of inventors, educators, and world leaders who have shaped our world is very long. It is because of their approach that turned misery, poverty and other sets backs into marvelous accomplishments that have moved humankind forward. Whether they survived famine, civil war, or other war, their resilient and persistent spirits lead them to greatness.

Today’s crisis will have its own heroes. There will be those that will make news and create groundbreaking innovation as we emerge from this pandemic. But there will be hundreds of thousands more that will make small, meaningful change that will impact their employees and their families in quiet ways. Leaders are not seeing an economic crisis. They are seeing an economic transformation and are adapting, adjusting, and reinventing. Owners are rethinking adversity and finding a new way to succeed. Their approach wouldn’t be news worthy or earth shattering but it will change lives.

These individuals will put pluses in their ledgers. What will you record? Will your pen’s ink be red or black? Or will you use a different ink all together and colour your world in new ways? Just because you choose to see the possible within the impossible situation we all face.

Learn more, Earn more by contacting me on 07716 292378, mailing me at ianfinney@actioncoach.com or clicking here hand leaving me a message