In the pre-dawn darkness, I raised my wrist, tapping my Apple watch to check the time. 4.27 a.m. I had been awake for at least 30 minutes, thoughts of the Covid-19 virus weighing heavily, pushing all prospects of sleep further away. I rolled over on my tummy, my usual comfort pose when I have difficulty sleeping. The Covid-19 virus rolled with me. Realising I wouldn’t be going back to sleep soon, I pondered my next move – lie there and keep trying to get to sleep? Get up and do yoga? Meditate? I chose to have a chat with myself:
“Marguerite. The world has faced crises before. This too shall pass. You have faced crises before, and you know that this too shall pass. You also know that crises you have faced have brought wonderful opportunities. Calm down and look for the opportunities in this crisis”.
On this wave of consciousness, I awoke at 8.25 a.m. refreshed, positive, hopeful and full of ideas for how I, and my business, will face this new world.
As we face the reality of a global pandemic, which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared yesterday, we MUST recognise how serious it is, and how much more devastating it could get. This is not the time to be in denial, with hopes that the virus will magically disappear. NOW is the time to plan. But we can only plan properly when we are calm. And this is the challenge leaders face – staying calm, focused on the future, helping your team to see that there is a future, and yet, not denying the current crisis and the devastating impact it can have on all of us.
How do we do this?
- First, take care of ourselves. Double down on our wellness – in addition to regular handwashing and keeping our hands from our faces (which we should have been doing anyway), focus on building our immune systems by:
- Re-evaluating our diet (lots of fruits, veggies, water)
- Exercising every day
- Spending time in stillness and quiet, breathing steadily and deeply. Calm our soul.
- From this place of calm, play out the worst-case scenarios for us and our organizations. Let our imaginations go wild and consider the worst (zombie apocalypse?), the best, and the most likely, exploring options for coping, and indeed thriving under each scenario.
- PLAN!
- For the pandemic: By now I trust that you have developed your COVID-19 plan for your organisation and your family. If you have not, do so right now. There is an abundance of resources on the internet, although please be vigilant to consult only credible sources.
- For the long term: But even as we cope with this crisis, do not neglect your strategic planning – it’s more important now than ever. Indeed, you and your team should review your strategic plan in light of this new and immediate threat to determine how to stay focused on long-term strategic goals, even as you adjust your short-term tactics and initiatives. It’s better to plan and be wrong than not plan at all.
- For your personal growth: There’s another type of planning I recommend – we now have that most scarce of resources, time, on our hands. Events, travel abroad, vacations, etc. are being cancelled. What a great time to focus on our learning – online courses, books, podcasts, Youtube, offer excellent and readily available resources to learn and grow.
There have been global crises throughout recent history, for example, being the Spanish flu, two World Wars, 1929 economic crash, 9-11, the 2008 economic meltdown. Whilst history is not a predictor of the future, it does suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic will end. And when it does, be it sooner or later, we each personally need to be stronger and more resilient to lead our organisations.
Great article. I hope the public take it seriously in Jamaica and start self.distancing. Dr. Tufton and the MOH are doing a good job leading.
Thank you Suzie. From all accounts, the Jamaican government really seems to be handling this well – even better than some more developed countries.
Yours with ease, grace and joy
Marguerite
Hi Marguerite thank you for sharing your article on this pandemic the Coronovirus.
Your advice to remain calm but ensure that we follow the recommendations of the medical professionals and make this a habit to do so is prudent indeed.
Marguerite your intervention is timely and I for one always value your well thought out analysis and recommendations particularly at this time with so much panic and anxiety.
Please continue to share all your objective , interesting and informative posts with me and look forward to reading your next article.
Thank you Errol. Please feel free to share my blog to any whom you think it will help.
Yours with ease, grace and joy
Marguerite
A welcome voice of calm and reason. Thank you Marguerite.
Thank you Nick.
Wonderful and timely advice Marguerite! You are awesome! I am planning lots of hiking in Ontario especially the Bruce Trail! Spring is just around the corner! A time of renewal!
Thank you Sharon. I will join you on some of those hikes. One thing that keeps me sane and calm is the walks with my new doggie, Sushi. When you are out in nature, you really do know that all is well.
Yours with ease, grace and joy
Marguerite
Well said Marguerite. I’ve taken my cues from my parents (both deceased). My dad always appeared calm and in control of his emotions in all situations. He taught his children that when in a crisis never become a part of it. You’re better able to handle your emotions and make better decisions from a position of calm thinking. My mother would turn to prayers in a crisis and also her ever present comforting mantra “this too shall pass”. I do hope that just as there are standards in place at food establishments for hand washing, that businesses and homes do the same, just as a reminder. We see now how important hand washing is, and we should no longer take it for granted.
Dear Eve
Thanks as always for taking the time to share your wisdom. Wise lessons from your parents! There is so much that this crisis is teaching us, not the least of which is taking things for granted. LOTS of opportunties!
Take care – and stay calm!
Yours with ease, grace and joy
Marguerite
Thank you thank you for this article. A timely reminder to apply perspective look for opportunities and stay focused above the din of fear and anxiety.
Thank you Kayann. I should have also mentioned the importance of limiting the information we let in. Once per day is enough to keep current and informed, but it sure is difficult!
Yours with ease grace and joy
Marguerite
And thanks for taking the time to comment Kayann.
Yours with ease, grace and joy
Marguerite
Hey there,
Please keep me posted on your new posts
Many thanks
Sandra
I certainly will Sandra!
Yours with ease, grace and joy
Marguerite
It has always amazed me that the very things we strive for and do in our family lives and at home, that “common sense” and “no brainer” decisions we do for ourselves, don’t influence the decisions and actions of an organization. We spend on average 50% of our waking lives at work. Why should we want any lesser for our “home away from home”? We need to care enough to care equally for both.
Oh Marlon – you and I think alike! I think this crisis is waking us up to how (and why) our work is important. I think it’s also waking up leaders to how important their teams are. Caring is key. Thanks for your wisdom.
Yours with ease, grace and joy
Marguerite
Marguerite,
It was so good to see you in person at the recent awards function. I enjoyed this article so much that I am making copies for a meeting. Thank you for the reminder that this too will pass. We know the Lord Jesus will give wisdom and peace in the midst of this storm. I am looking forward to all the learnings through this experience as we work together to get through this. Best wishes and God’s blessings. D.R.
It was lovely seeing you too Donna-Marie. Congrats again, and thank you for the amazing work you are doing at JIS. Thank you for sharing my article as well – do let your team know that they can subscribe to my blog. And thanks for your wishes and blessings.
Yours with ease, grace and joy
Marguerite
Greetings from Tanzania my dearest Marguerite.
So fortunate to see your blog on my feed today.
We thank you for your Calm Grace and continued Joy.
Karibu Tena Africa !
My dearest sister! So happy to see that my words are flying around the world, to help. Do share widely!
Yours with ease, grace and joy
Marguerite
Timely article which reminds us to still keep focused on our goals while dealing with the exigencies of the present moment. Thanks Marguerite.
Thank you Roxann. Do share with your team, and anyone else you think it might help.
Yours with ease, grace, joy … and calm
Marguerite