All over the world, countries are slowly relaxing their covid-measures. Slowly, the world is returning to its 'normal' state of being. But how 'slow' will 'slowly' be?
I see and hear very mixed signals. Lufthansa is preparing itself to only start flying again in autumn; others -on social media- clearly express they're craving to do business as usual as soon as possible; while still others are almost sad that the global lockdown is coming to an end. Personally, I'm in it with very mixed feelings myself.
But 1 thing is very clear: I don't want to return to the '-old- normal' again.
Keep on reading to find out what I want the '-new- normal' to look like, and how you can define yours.
It's obvious that the global lockdown has its downsides: the slowing down of the economy, the uncertainty and fear many people experience, the unexpected deaths of loved ones, and many more. But at the same time, there are also many good things coming out of this pandemic: a moment for planet earth to take a breath (less pollution), the digital transformation that is finally happening (welcome in the 21st century, but don't forget: we've already been in it for 20 years...), and the global acceptance of working from home, to name a few.
And especially that last one is something that triggers me.
In a split second, everybody was able to work from home, even with the kids running around the house too. Suddenly, we fully accepted one of the children passing by in the background while we were having a video call. Where before, we would have been irritated when a colleague picked up his/her phone to answer a short question of one of their kids during a meeting, we now show empathy when this happens while the kids are standing beside him/her.
If this is acceptable now, will it still be acceptable in a few weeks, when we return to the office?
Many people talk about work-life balance. I prefer to talk about work-life integration. And over the past weeks, we have been forced to fully integrate all aspects of our lives. Will that be the '-new- normal'?
I do hope so!
OK, I understand, a full integration of all your life's aspects can be difficult. But trying to radically separate the different aspects of your life, only makes it hard on yourself. You create extra balls to juggle around and keep in the air.
Integrating all aspects, simply because you're not only an employee, but also a father/mother, a son/daughter, a husband/wife, a friend, a sportsman/-woman, makes it easier for yourself to be who you truly are. And why would you try to hide those 'other' roles of you again? Especially now that you have already invited all your colleagues/clients/suppliers into your home with all those video calls? ;-)
We now all know what the living room, kitchen or study of our bosses and colleagues look like. We've probably seen their kids and spouses, or their pets, passing by. We've shown interest and empathy in their personal situation. We've built a new, deeper connection with each other.
Why would we want to lose that?
We can even nurture it, and make it stronger, once we're back together again!
I think that's a question everyone should reflect on:
What has the global lockdown taught you, and how are you going to maintain those important lessons?
I'm pretty sure you can come up with at least 10 valuable lessons to take with you, and to keep your #stayinside mindset, while going out again!
Please share yours in the comments below :-)
If you are struggling with the transition to the/your '-new- normal', on a personal level or as a company, know that we're always ready for a chat to bring some extra clarity in your specific situation, so you know what to do (differently) in the short, mid, and long term.
Just grab your free (but not gratuitous) Clarity-session right now:
Click the button, choose 'Online Services', select a Clarity-session, choose your coach, and pick the moment that suits you best to have the conversation.
And don't forget to share the #stayinside lessons you want to keep!
Written by
Dennis Fredrickx, Coach for Ambitous Leaders
Dennis helps Ambitious Leaders to reach more in an easier way.
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