We are amidst a global pandemic and these are unprecedented times. Communities around the world are rallying, failing, connecting, and experimenting amidst the spread of the novel coronavirus. Observing what’s being revealed about human behaviour is everything – I’m fascinated, inspired, frustrated, and horrified after 15-minutes on the Internet. Here are three human capabilities being surfaced by the pandemic.
Integrity
“I know what businesses I’ll be supporting when this is over,” my wife said to me as she read another series of articles highlighting the chasm of effort between employers around the world. Our current existential crisis is revealing what principles guide people and organizations around the world. As a member-employee, I’m proud of the work Vancity is doing to keep employees, members and our communities safe during these uncertain times. From Mark Cuban to Bell Canada to lululemon, employers are supporting employees, customers and communities by making self-isolation easier.
Agility
The World Health Organization’s Dr. Michael J. Ryan is an expert on battling pandemics – a clip of him giving advice to global media, health experts and political leaders emphasizes the speed and agility with which communities need to move in order to stop and control the virus spreading. Within days families have reorganized schedules and homesteads for everything from soccer practice to schooling and employers have transformed their organizations into remote workforces. Human beings are pretty fantastic at coping (especially kids). I hope that such agility is matched by levels of government, philanthropists and captains of industry because not everyone has the privilege of working remotely, being paid to not work, or working at all during this pandemic.
Leadership
I love basketball and the National Basketball Association (NBA) was the first North American sports league to suspend the season (even though they should’ve done more sooner, but let’s focus on the positive!). Players and superstars (everyone from Kevin Love to Zion Williamson) pledged to support arena employees who will suffer from the season being postponed or cancelled. My CERIC colleague, Lisa Taylor, is offering free webinars to help folks who are working remotely for the first time. Here on the West Coast our provincial government, especially provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, have been leading through the current state of emergency with confidence, agility and compassion.
Stay safe out there and consider what human capabilities you hope to see surfaced by the pandemic during these uncertain times. Let’s make integrity, agility and leadership contagious, too.