Learning (And Unlearning) From COVID-19

The pandemic forced us to reevaluate our ways of working paving way for unlearning the rudimentary and relearning ways to function and survive in the new normal

- John Gaunt

When 2020 began, the COVID-19 pandemic affected all of us in the unruliest way possible. It was no longer possible for countries, industries, and economies, let alone individuals, to continue living the same way as before. We are creatures of habit and used to doing almost everything around us in a certain, predictable way. But the pandemic forced us to reevaluate our ways including working. Thus began the process of unlearning the rudimentary and relearning ways to function and survive…in the new normal.

Embracing agility

Agility and empowerment took on a completely new meaning as the virus developed differently in each country and governments took various measures. Smart company leaders evaluated the seriousness of the situation, adopted an agile stance, and took rapid action, as deemed necessary. That included making hard but important decisions ahead of other companies, knowing their swift and decisive actions protected employees from harm, and consequently protected their clients and their business. Some companies, with their priorities, firmly set, acted quickly and in some cases weeks ahead of lockdown mandates. To accomplish this, key teams had to be assembled and fully empowered to make decisions overnight and provide employees with all necessary tools. As employee and client well-being became top priorities, the biggest lesson learned was to embrace agility and focus all efforts.

Leading with empathy