It’s another week of our stay-at-home order, and depending on where you live and how you are doing, you may be like me thinking that the weeks are all starting to gel together.
While there are simplicity and monotony in repetitive days, our world is changing by the second in ways we didn’t expect just a few weeks ago.
I admit I am a bit of a news junkie and try to vary my news sources to get a broader view. Nevertheless, I find myself limiting my daily news consumption, given the severity of COVID.
But some stories deeply touch and tug at my heartstrings.
It’s the story about people organizing local food drives.
It’s the story about community members sending heartfelt letters to senior residents and their healthcare providers.
It’s the story about teachers missing their students and going to each kid’s house and to drop off a care package and let them know their teacher cares about them.
Have you seen John Krasinski’s Some Good News on YouTube? If not, check out this episode. (There a great feel-good surprise in this episode.)
And then there are the stories about our medical professionals saving lives daily and giving themselves tirelessly every day to keep our loved ones safe.
A couple of weeks ago, I delivered a webinar to the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce about what it means to SHOW UP in a crisis. As business owners, we talked about what it means to protect and promote your brand. (This is one of the six strategies I discuss in my new book.)
Have you seen the picture of the medical professionals holding signs that say “We stay here for you. Please stay home for us.”?
I can’t think of a better and more poignant picture right now to define one’s brand than that of our medical professionals.
But what COVID-19 has done is to shine a spotlight on all of our professional brands. Think about your job right now. What are you doing each day to demonstrate your value and contributions to your team, your customers, and your organization?
How authentically are you communicating to your colleagues and leadership that this “new normal” is different and complex? What ways are you finding to form stronger bonds with your colleagues and making more virtual connections while we figure out and adapt to our new work environments?
We must “Protect and Promote Our Brands” each day. This is an excellent opportunity for us to be more mindful and aware of the situations around us and decide how we want to SHOW UP.
Every company and organization is struggling to determine how best to care for their employees and customers. Look at what your favorite restaurant is doing to provide curbside pick-up or delivery. Even though we can’t sit inside at their restaurant right now, it doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy their food. But companies have had to shift their business plans to figure out this new model and how best to serve their customers and retain business.
We are all wondering how we can SHOW UP more energetically these days.
Finally, let’s take a moment to thank our medical professionals, first responders, grocery store workers, food service workers, and everyone else who is doing what they need to do so we can stay home and flatten the curve. You have my heartfelt thanks.