The year of 2020 — a year of COVID-19 attack in almost all nations. The impact in the world economy is severe, a lot of activities slow down, GDP downgrading in major countries, businesses shut down, unemployment rate increasing, the stock market went down drastically, and no one could confidently tell when it will be over.
Another question raised in mind; Would things go back to normal after the crisis is over? If it does, how long will it take?
Investors and leaders are demanding to cut non-essential expenses, cut losses, protect cash flow, prepare plans to rise again when things are over. The pressure seems way more real right now –and that’s the reality we need to face.
“Bad companies are destroyed by crisis. Good companies survive them. Great companies are improved by them,” says Andy Grove, former Intel CEO.
Rise of new ideas, innovation, and creativity
This is the time to apply Steve Job’s principle — Think different. Adaptability is one of the traits of human nature. Our ability and flexibility to cope with environmental challenges through biological and behavioural or cultural means, creating new ideas when we forced into changes.
These new ideas transformed into innovations, followed with creativity to overcome challenges. The crisis becomes a forcing mechanism that leads to changes and advances, whether it is in technology, social culture, politics, even policy, and procedures.
Plato, one of the most famous Greek Philosopher, says that, “Necessity is a mother of invention.” It means the need or problem encourages creative efforts to meet the need or solve the problem. The word had said it all.
During this time of crisis, a true entrepreneur will find out a hundred ways to solve their problem. There is some point in our business where we rely on someone to solve the problem without us being involved in it. But during a crisis, it forces us to roll the sleeves and activate our problem-solving skills to make the most out of it and not losing the opportunity when it comes.
Unity in diversity
Fighting the demotivation among our colleagues, partners, and employees, during a crisis, required unity of purpose, intentions, and understanding. It is common that during a crisis, all the perceptions, assumptions, and rumours are surrounding the workplace.
Discover new talents
Challenge doesn’t always mean crisis, but crisis always brings challenges. Talented people in our organisation usually emerge when the challenge comes. Sadly, not every time they are recognised.
However, when the crisis comes, we directly involved in it and so desperate for a solution, and we start noticing these talents. What we think we never needed was right before our eyes all this time. These talents usually have their way to create a dynamic in the organisation that enables the team to work better together.
Anticipation for the next event
I agree that this kind of crisis like COVID-19 might only happen once for many years. But this is not the only crisis that we could ever face in our business.
You see, even in the amid crisis, there is always a bright side in it. If we focus on what we can gain and the beautiful impact behind the dark time, we will lift our burden and not wasting every single opportunity that comes. Trust the process. Remember,
“After the rain, there is a rainbow — after a storm, there’s calm — after night, there’s a morning — and after an end, there’s a new beginning.”
Leadership is key
Unfortunately, even after we realise these things, we can only bring an impact if we utilise our leadership skills for the benefit of the organisation. We must never forget that during the crisis, people look for direction. As a leader, it is our duty to provide guidance and not spreading the negative vibe around us.
There are two kinds of responses that we can choose; despondent and panic, or energised and inspired. A true leader will keep him/herself steady in front of the people and not letting their emotions overcome their attitude.
Panic won’t help and will lead people into confusion. On the contrary, when we show our passion and energy, it will lead the organization into a positive mode and people will be inspired to work for the good.
Keep strong and steady, for the great things will come to those who believe in it.
Source: e27
