Pandemic spurred bravery, innovation and creativity

What a ride the first half of 2020 has been. We will be able to talk about this time in history for the rest of our lives. There are so many things changing at a pace that prior to this time was regarded as unimaginable.

From a business perspective, we have seen the federal government create more than $3 trillion in economic relief of various structures and impact. Previously, a discussion of a billion dollars was cause for pause and eyebrow raising, but a trillion dollars! Nothing short of amazing. And according to some, Congress is not finished with stimulus packages.

The Federal Reserve has rolled up its sleeves and engaged aggressively in the buoying of the economy. The stock market, which is not the economy, has, after a frightening March, recovered to a more reasonable range of normal adjustment.

We have seen new creativity to respond to unprecedented business challenges. We have had technology solutions with various delivery services and the logistical wonder that is our modern world. I initiated a food delivery service for the first time this year. The food delivery apps have now become one of my “go to” recognition approaches.

The methods of shopping were evolving cautiously;

however, during the pandemic, various methods were accelerated. Traditional in-store shopping, in-store pickup, curbside pickup, location delivery all coupled with online shopping from a catalog or current inventory are widely available. As the old marketing slogan went, “We fix it your way.” In many ways, bespoke service has become available to a broader segment of the market.

The value and necessity of the Internet has been put front and center in nearly everyone’s life. For those who could work from home, the impact of the Internet was expanded by the utilization of various video-conferencing platforms. From telemedicine to seminars to team meetings, the internet is no longer a choice in our society. Education for students of all ages and our entertainment would have been significantly limited without the Internet. Also, let’s not forget the communication network that supported all of the first responders, utilities and other infrastructure supporters. Your bandwidth has become your life.

A special appreciation for the United States Post Service and the other delivery services. Take a moment to think about the positive personal and organizational impact that those organizations had and have on our society.

We have seen innovation around the world. In India, Brazil and others, when the citizens were sheltering in place due to the virus, the people banged pots and pans to make a statement. In China, when hospital rooms needed cleaning after a COVID-19 patient was in the room, some hospitals sent in robots to clean and sanitize the rooms.

We have so many examples of bravery, innovation and creativity from which we can draw new processes, objectives and strategies. In many ways, we have a new world in which to align ourselves, our organizations and our country.

Cornell Wright is the author of “31 Coffee Breaks to a Better Organization,” a trainer and consultant at The Parker Wright Group Inc. in Stratford. The firm strengthens clients’ customer service strategies and processes and is a Certified Partner of Predictive Index. He can be reached at 203-377-4226 or cornell@parkerwrightgroup.com.