COVID-19 is a human crisis that has meant a Business Unusual mind shift.
Many businesses and organisations have faced disasters in the past and COVID-19 has certainly brought its fair share across multi industries, globally.
It is in times such as these, that Crisis Management is everyone’s job.
Before we start to build the economy and initiate the recovery plan, we must focus on re-building Morale and Confidence – the very building blocks and foundation for our recovery - and this means focusing on people.
This is a call to action for all Leaders, whereby all employees, executive management teams and the workforce are looking to the leadership for guidance and direction and they need to feel that they can place their trust in the same.
Being visible, listening and supportive, empathetic and effective in communication is critical for leaders, instilling calm, control and a pragmatic approach to the tasks and objectives at hand. And in this way, we start the building blocks for a recovery.
As we move into Alert level 1 lockdown measures, we are heading into this brand, new world and with this, comes the call for Purpose. Here, our unique and distinct South African way of mobilising and adapting to all situations will be key to our survival, along with practising flexibility and implementing new adaptive operational requirements that are enhanced by the culture, ethos and foundations of the business or organisation and, change management.
Most significantly, COVID-19 has taught us not to take anything for granted, with a stark reminder of the importance and relevance of human connection and that we need to future-proof, initiate solid contingency plans, pivoting and innovating in the interests of preparedness for future potential crises.
It is in times of crisis that an effective communications strategy is essential for all businesses and organisations, with a strong internal communications function to provide strength, resilience and longevity.
As we start assigning essential tasks to our teams that align with the new challenges and parameters that we all face, we will provide the desired and necessary stability, accountability and responsibility - the essential attributes that contribute towards meeting objectives and deliverables - that will build the adaptive routine and disciplines for the future.
Through this process, the team will have contributed to the end goal of the business or organisation, evoking and igniting the critically needed sense of purpose and driving growth and development in the new world.
It is to be a journey of re-discovery, creating value and meaning, in a world where people, businesses and organisations will be required to work together and collaborate and thus, build essential strong foundations for the future.
- by Gill Gibbs, SA Events Council Board Member and Chairperson of EXSA
