2020 will be a year of historical note – it will be a marker of generations. Like the Great Depression, The World Wars, or 9-11 changed the world, so too has COVID-19. In fact, your grandkids will read about this year in the history books, and ask you “What was the pandemic like?” Remembering it is one thing but treating it as a disaster or hoping to simply “put 2020 behind us” is missing a major opportunity. The question I asked myself is “What am I learning from the pandemic?” Here are some of my lessons that I think all of us can grow from.
I learned a bit about medicine, vaccine approval processes, and statistics, but I learned some deeper lessons that can and already have had a profound impact on my life. Here is a short list.
Be careful with your news consumption
Regardless of the protestations of journalists, the news must have readers to survive. And the purveyors of our news know that pain, anguish and negativity sells. I have long known this, and often seen examples of it, and this year is a perfect case in point. I’m not making a political statement or argument, just an experienced observation. I want to be informed, but I am not personally served by watching or reading too much news – especially without thinking critically about what I am absorbing.
People can and will adapt in changing times
We may not love change and we may complain about it, but humans can, and often will be adaptable, flexible, and resilient in the face of change. Whether you look to schools, small businesses, or individuals, we have seen creativity, adaptability, and plenty to be hopeful about and optimistic for.
People can and will come together around a shared purpose
Whether it is celebrities raising money to support restaurant or Broadway workers, people sewing masks for others when we couldn’t get any, or people picking up groceries for our neighbors, tough times often show us to be at our best. Perhaps the best widespread example of this is how the first weeks of working from home went. It was a massive change and while leaders and executives worried, the workforce, banded together and made it work.
Simple is often better
How many people rediscovered (or discovered!) homemade bread? Countless board games and jigsaw puzzles were sold, and families are all the better for it. I was reminded this year that great joy can be found in the simple – and that many of our lives have become more complicated and complex than needed.
Different isn’t always bad
This is something I have long known and believed. I have talked to leaders and team members from around the world this year. When talking to them about learning from the pandemic, they talk about challenges and problems, but then often make a shift. If they don’t make that mental shift, I ask questions that lead them to the insight, that while this has been a tough year, we are all learning from the pandemic that good can be found (or even grow) during difficult times. In short, different isn’t always bad. Remembering this in any change situation will serve us well.
Normal is always changing
Quick, how many times will you look at your phone in the next hour? Before 2007, there was no iPhone. And before 1999 there were no Blackberrys. What is now normal, certainly wasn’t 15 or 20 years ago. While this is a technology example, we all know that things are always changing – and some of those changes become our normal. I have learned that to decry the “new normal” as bad, is both short-sighted and silly. The new normal is always right in front of us – pandemic or not.
Good things can come from bad situations
There has been plenty of bad this year. But when you look, and you don’t have to look too hard, there is plenty to be grateful for as well. While you might not have to look hard, you do have to look. Staying out of the news and away from the attitudes of the worriers and cynics will help. Looking for and finding the good is a great thing to be learning from the pandemic. Because if you can do it during COVID – you can do it anytime.
Fewer flights allow me to accomplish more
And finally, something a bit lighter and still true – and an example of the last point. The last flight I stepped on to was March 4 – long ago this became the longest no-flight window in my adult life. And while I miss interacting with groups in person, I have achieved more this year than in any I can remember. There is no doubt, that for Kevin, fewer flight means greater overall productivity and creative output.
There is more – some more personal than is necessary to share here, and many smaller ideas I’ve gained. You will note that I have shared mostly positive lessons, in part because of my point above – that there is virtue to be found in tough situations. While I hope my lessons are illuminating and helpful, I also hope you will take time to ask yourself the question: What am I learning from the pandemic?
I also learned much about leadership and remote work in the last few months too, even though I write and speak on those topics every day. I will share those leadership lessons here next week.
There is more – some more personal than is necessary to share here, and many smaller ideas I’ve gained. You will note that I have shared mostly positive lessons, in part because of my point above – that there is virtue to be found in tough situations. While I hope my lessons are illuminating and helpful, I also hope you will take time to ask yourself the question: What am I learning from the pandemic?
I also learned much about leadership and remote work in the last few months too, even though I write and speak on those topics every day. I will share those leadership lessons here next week.
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To grow as leaders, we must reflect and learn from our own experiences, and reach out to learn new skills and perspectives, too. When you join me for the From Manager to Remarkable Leader learning experience, you will get cutting-edge ideas grounded in and connected to timeless principles. This six-session virtually delivered learning experience is packed with insights and opportunities to learn from me and your peers too. Learn more, find dates, and get registered here.
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