At present humanity is fighting a global war. In this unprecedented situation nations are collectively and individually fighting a common enemy. In the midst of this catastrophic turmoil we see positive acts of collaboration, with countries trying to learn from others and work together for the common good. And this is happening not only at mega-levels, but between communities and individuals, too. There are wonderful examples of individuals helping each other in different ways.
HIV/Aids, cholera, bubonic plague, smallpox and influenza have been some of the most brutal killers. With the increased interconnectedness of people, physically moving from one geographic region to another for business or other reasons, Covid-19 has penetrated 189 territories at the time of writing. It seems that size doesn’t matter. This tiny organism has brought down not only one huge aeroplane, but fleets and whole airlines, economies, medical infrastructures and has changed our entire ‘way of being’. Globally we are in this together.
For a long time we have been talking about the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) worlds in which leaders function. This has escalated. Complacency has given way to finding new ways of coping with this dreadful situation. I find that my clients who are creative are coping better with the disruption and havoc surrounding us.
Reflection is very important at a time like this. Reflecting on different ways of coping with change, I revisited Spencer Johnson’s ‘Who moved my cheese?’ There are powerful lessons for all of us. We all have to adapt and do things differently. We also have to recognise and optimise opportunities for working towards the common good.
One of my contributions is in creating Zoom forums in which we can share reflections and learnings, hold quality conversations and help each other feel less isolated. Until this month I have invited 15 local clients to a presentation called ‘Ten Lessons’ where I shared what I had learnt during the last few months through my reflections using Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle. These one-hour mini-workshops included groupwork for discussion and sharing ideas. As these were held at my home, I can’t do that anymore. So I have upgraded Zoom and will be offering complimentary group sessions to small groups on a regular basis. This is one of my contributions in working towards helping others to cope during these difficult times.
I’ll be holding sessions at times that suit different time zones. If you would like to be invited to a session, please send me an e-mail brenda@strategy-leadership.com expressing interest and letting me know which time zone you are in.
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