Coronavirus response will lead to new habits for businesses, consumers

The reaction by people, businesses and governments across the United States and the world has been, in my opinion, without equal. It is in times like these that leadership on all levels is showcased or exposed. To make a golf analogy, if your swing is not correct you can get by on short shots. However, it is in the drives that your incorrect form will result in errant shots.

In organizations of all types, leaders have scrambled over the past few months to grapple with the impact of the coronavirus domestically and internationally. If ever there is an example of how small our world has become, it is front and center now. We are all in this together, on a global scale.

I have observed how most everyone is making changes in their normal routines to address this dire situation. My heart goes out to those who have and will be ill and to their loved ones. Big thanks to those on the medical and public health fronts who are being thrust into the spotlight in difficult times. Additionally, there is a new spotlight on the health care and health insurance delivery systems in U.S. During post audits of the pandemic these four areas will certainly be reevaluated and revalued.

Based on numerous studies, it has been found that habits can be formed in as little as 21 days with an average of 66 days. One study, I found stated that, “Physiologists agree that it generally takes about 28 days to change a habit. Twenty-eight days of consciously trying to make a change should lead to a permanent change. You must live consciously for 4 weeks, deliberately focusing on the changes that you wish to make. After the 4 weeks are up, only a little effort should be needed to sustain it.”

Let’s suppose that the various declarations of “self-quarantine” across the country are resolved in 28 days or maybe longer for some. What are the new habits that will take root in our business environment and broader culture based upon the new habits/dynamics of consumer behavior?

Aside from a run on cleaning supplies, paper products and water, there has been a run on laptop computers. I would suppose that with children being home with online school assignments, the shared family computer is no longer adequate. Great for those households secure enough in these unsure financial times who can buy a new laptop. Sadly, for those households and school systems that can’t afford to buy new laptops, the digital and educational divide may continue to widen.

Business models undoubtedly will be reevaluated in light of the current environment. How important is it for a restaurant to offer take-out service or to offer drive-thru service?

The value of the delivery services sector of the gig economy are being showcased for those who can afford them and live in the appropriate service areas. The list goes on and on, with many creative ideas. Consumers, consumer-to-business, business-to-business, social service organizations and government services are interacting and delivering value in imaginative ways. Over the next 28-plus days, I believe new habits will have been formed.

There is an old proverb, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” In times of difficulty, our personal scorecards of good gestures and bad gestures will continue long after this epidemic has passed. It might be a good organizational decision to err on the side of generosity.

Ciskowski joins Weichert team

Stephen Ciskowski has joined Weichert, Realtors — On The Mark, in Milford as a real estate salesman, according to a release.

Ciskowski will be aiding home buyers and sellers in Milford, Stratford, West Haven, Orange and surrounding areas, the release said.

“Stephen is an amazing addition to our talented team of agents,” Mark Liberman, the company’s principal broker/owner, said in the release. “Stephen’s keen attention to details and willingness to go above and beyond to exceed his clients’ expectations will be a tremendous asset for office. We warmly welcome him to our team.”

Ciskowski is a lifelong state resident and currently lives in Orange.

For more information, contact Liberman at 203283-1420 or visit www.onthemarkmgmt.com.