“There are decades when nothing happens, and weeks where decades occur.” Vladimir Lenin
Covid-19 brought about a new level of turmoil in our lives. It was difficult to look ahead and predict how everything will turn out.
Despite the grim predictions of Great Depression-like economic slumps, massive job losses, and other gloomy forecasts, there is still hope. There is also opportunity. We have the chance to change as a society. Each individual has the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives and achieve a better balance.
The life before lockdown was not all that great. I find the ‘new normal’ that everyone is talking about to be a mixture of compromise, limitation, and lack.
Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and social entrepreneur, suggests that we should not plan for economic recovery after Covid. Instead, we should rebuild the economy and business from scratch. I couldn’t agree with you more.
Already there are encouraging signs that this reset is underway. The city of Amsterdam has adopted Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics, an economist who outlines priorities for rebuilding after lockdown.
Raworth’s model moves us away from our toxic obsession of growth and instead seeks to solve humanity’s 21st century problem; how to meet the needs of all within our planet’s means.
Businesses must adapt. We must adapt. We must adapt. And as we adapt, it is important to define what this ‘new’ should be and to work towards creating a work/life balance that is healthy. Even if a vaccine is discovered, technology, homeworking and digital solutions will not disappear completely.
How can we maintain connection and build strong, resilient, and empathetic cultures even when people no longer live in the same space or travel to the office? This will be especially true if you move into a less-touch environment.
This will require adapting to social distancing rules, possibly a series temporary lockdowns and travel restrictions, as well as new hygiene guidelines. Customers will be more cautious about physical contact, enclosed spaces, large gatherings and other social situations.
This could lead to a decrease in our connection, which could be a danger to our happiness or mental health. Maintaining a connection is a part of our new lives, new business models, and new ethos.
Human beings are social animals. We need ‘New Balance’, not new normal. That starts with the human being. It is no coincidence that governments and businesses that have done well against the Covid storm were led by open, compassionate and understanding leaders.
Think Jacinta Arden – New Zealand’s Prime Minister. Arden is a welcome departure from the monopoly of power. She answers questions honestly, transparently and kindly via Facebook Live.
How can you create a “New Balance” in your project management work?
Focus on the people involved in your projects. Help them find a balance that works both for them and you. Happy, healthy team members will be more productive, loyal, and more likely to stay with the company for longer periods of time (i.e. You’ll reduce staff turnover. Businesses that recognize the human element of their employees and customers will be successful.
Systems that recognize we need low levels of physical touch but high levels of human interaction are essential if we want to be safe and connected. Human connection is crucial – we buy from people, we are inspired by, motivated, loyal, supportive of, and support humans – not faceless corporations. Human connection is key – we buy from people, we are inspired, motivated, loyal to, and supportive of humans – not faceless companies.
