Learnings from the Pandemic So Far
I have learnt so much these last few weeks. One lesson learnt is how important it is to post the right video, (it helps to use one which finishes correctly), check what’s in the background when filming and consider the timelines.
I have realised that creases do not show up (thank goodness) on your clothes, but they do on your face. I am now so bored of the sound of my own voice it is easy to get cavalier and not check the video content thoroughly.
Working remotely is different when I have others in the house. There are the pleasant parts, like having lunch together, more flexibility and time to do yoga (pun intended!) and wearing Ugg boots all day. Then, there are the slightly more challenging bits like having to think about food at lunchtime, keeping boundaries and working at appropriate times.
It’s been interesting working with people who have different home structures. I’ve enjoyed meeting children, seeing household pets, and occasionally being offered a coffee or wine by the considerate partner of a client during a Zoom meeting. It’s been full of some highly entertaining stories (texts to a work colleague rather than a son), tears of frustration during internet crashes at critical moments (mine) and an overwhelming sense of peace. The peace has come from the lack of commute and extra time to do my work. It has been genuinely warming connecting with people on a different level as we’re all in the same boat.
I sense there will be some dramatic changes to a way of life for us. Things will continue to evolve over an unknown period of time, and life as we knew it will not be the same. So much adaption, innovation and collaboration has occurred both for individuals and businesses in such a short period of time. Whether this is good or bad is yet to be seen, however, it is an opportunity. Throughout it all, the teamwork and kindness demonstrated by business leaders trying to do the right thing by their teams as well as the reverse support of small businesses by individuals has revealed new recognition and empathy. This can only be a good thing.
So, what have you learnt? What will you take forward and what will you never do again? For me:
- I will do yoga daily, at home if I can’t get to the studio
- I will continue to encourage businesses to consider the options of travel/commuting
- I will appreciate meetings on-site and the warmth of personal contact
- I will not stress when I’m running late due to a commute (eek)
- I will not feel the need to develop an interest in cooking, it just doesn’t work for me and causes me undue stress – I just don’t care enough
- I will not get anxious when technology fails and presume it’s something I’ve done wrong
- I will look for opportunities to support those in crisis, it’s good for the soul … and the economy
Following are the links to minute-long videos I’ve posted during these past few extraordinary months. It’s been suggested that I professionalise them to post on my website. I’d love your feed-back so drop me a line.
It’s going to be a busy next 6 months. Prepare now. If you need help with a short-term strategy, please give Sarah or me a call.
- Here to Help: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/03/26/we-are-here-to-help/
- Financials: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/03/27/financials/
- Take a Breath: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/03/28/take-a-breath/
- Sticking to a Schedule: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/03/29/sticking-to-a-schedule/
- Happy Birthday to Me: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/04/01/happy-birthday-to-me/
- Why You Do What You Do: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/04/07/why-you-do-what-you-do/
- Boundaries: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/04/16/boundaries/
- 3 Tips on ZOOM: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/04/23/3-tips-on-zoom/
- Leadership Tips: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/04/30/3-leadership-tips/
- Back to Business: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/05/10/back-to-business/
- 3 Things to Do Now: https://www.aidedemd.com/2020/05/13/3-things-to-do-now/