With a lot of uncertainty and never-ending news on this subject, I would like to propose a few straightforward steps to get through this downturn covering all areas of life:
- Work – regardless of the level you are at, take one or two steps down and work at that level. Meaning if you are an Executive, Director or Manager, get involved in the details and drive revenue by doing revenue generating activities and leading by example. For anyone that is in a standalone position, leverage your already strong relationships with clients and add 50% on top of your usually activity in a week. That may sound overkill but we all have more free time as there is less labor-intensive work around things like training new joiners, strategy and managing lots of ongoing projects. Now is the time for resource maximisation, which means everyone pulling together to protect revenue
- Management – Watching leaders through the events up to now and has been revealing. This experience has accentuated people’s behaviours and career path. For those that saw this as a holiday it has been clear. For those that have worked insane hours and remained positive, they will come out of this in a very strong position. For leaders at all levels, having a clear plan, explaining what the new “good” looks like and continuing to discuss the vision for that individual as well as the wider team is crucial to maintaining motivation
- Personal – Continue to take advantage of the opportunities this situation affords us. Spending time with kids and becoming closer as a family. Exploring locally, parks, stores, restaurants and making new friends. A great reminder throughout all of this has been that we really don’t need all the things we thought we did. Time however is invaluable as is a good night’s sleep. Enjoy these things now, because in one or two years’ time, they will be gone. Like addicts going back to their drug of choice, as soon as Covid 19 is over, we will go back to the usual rush.
- Mental health – You must look after yourself throughout all of this. It impacts everyone differently because everyone’s situation is different. Prioritise sleep, ignore these people saying you should sleep less and work more. Ensuring that you keep talking to friends and family, discussing the challenges you are having is a good start. Exercising once a day is another, it can be as simple as going for a walk, especially in the sun!
- Financial – There is still a lot to go through before things get better. I anticipate we will see continued amounts of layoffs as people finish the government backed furlough programs and companies continue to see month after month impacts on revenue. Don’t be fooled by the discount sales, cash continues to be king right now. Try a side business! I know there are a of excuses not to, but just try. How much money is required in real estate or an investment account to give you just $1,000 – 2,000 dollars a month? A lot. However, starting a website, selling through Etsy or Amazon can get you there much faster. It will provide you with new skills and new humbling moments, both of which are critical now and in the new digital world we have been flung into headfirst.
One of the best lessons I learned in my career was on a building site in a part-time job during University. On a hot day in the middle of summer I requested over time and was given the chance to work an extra day on a Sunday, on my own. The task was moving a huge pile of bricks and other heavy items from one part of the yard, to another. The truck I was given, of course, broke down. I looked at the pile of rubble and realised it would have to moved piece by piece. So, hesitant at first, I put one foot in front of the other. As the task became mindless quite quickly, I forgot about how seemingly impossible it was and just did it. There was no other choice. The same applies today, take each challenge and day as it comes, there is light beyond the immediate obstacles in front of us! One foot in front of the other.
