My favorite hobby has always been people. Studying them, watching how they live life, laugh, deal with their problems, and react. From my childhood, I remember my passion for observing people. Earlier watching visitors to the house, going out with parents, looking around, and then actually creating an agenda to watch people in public buses, cafes, and parks as I did my senior school and college studies. It remains as my most favorite hobby. Work and life have given me ample opportunities to observe human behavior in various countries. As I kept writing this column and living the changing mindsets in this world, 2021 melted into 2022 with the new third wave of Covid 19. Once again insecurity, fear, and uncertainty abounded. Given the fact that this new Omicron variant spreads quickly, restrictions for safety and preventive care raced with the virus spreading and curbs have become widespread. Work from home is quickly becoming a safety bubble. Surviving the health and economic impacts of the virus is becoming a bigger priority than anything else.
The world has changed again. The new normal is back!
On the other hand, the world of business is grappling with its own challenges for performance in the critical 4th quarter of this financial year, revisiting its risk and crisis plan. Reviewing its business plan with innovative and sustainable solutions. Also managing its biggest asset is human capital in this pandemic disruption. Various pundits have predicted that the economic impact of the third wave will be lower than the first wave. According to the BS July 2021, the Ministry of Finance said that the economic impact of the second wave is likely to be muted and there are visible signs of economic rejuvenation. No one really knows the impact of the third wave due to its uncertainty and unpredictability. One must just wait to see it all pan out.
A reflection in the meantime of the initial reactions of businesses. They expect the return of restrictions like night and weekend curfews and limited attendance at gatherings to weigh on business, but the impact to be also short-term as the infections are not seen as severe as during the previous Covid waves. They also expect authorities to avoid harsh steps and allow most economic activities to go on. Lockdown fears haunt businesses, especially small businesses.
What should be the role of communications in this flux situation and current mindset?
- The communications focus in the current mindset is to project the business as a stable and solid entity. Key messaging should pivot around continuity and certainty
- Internal communications become more critical than ever before. Keeping your workforce motivated and loyal will come through reassurance and job security
- Be conservative where it comes to new launches and new campaigns. Stagger these. Adopt a ‘wait, watch and adapt strategy’
- Develop a method of an ‘ear to the ground approach’. Convert your critical feedback mechanism from macro to micro
In the meantime, as catalysts of positive change, each one of us can help profusely by developing a new mindset ‘an attitude of gratitude, and transit into a ‘growth mindset’. A growth mindset is based on the fact that our abilities and traits are not fixed and that we can cultivate them. People with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities and are eager to learn, which prepares them to thrive during times of adversity. Cultivating a growth mindset is beneficial for learners during any phase in their life, however during any crisis or challenging situation like the pandemic, such a mindset is critical for professional and personal well-being.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ―John F. Kennedy
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