What I note below are a series of questions, largely presented as a set of opposing forces with no definitive answers. Ying and Yang. In some circumstances, the approach to the questions betrays my personal bias and hope for the future as well. So in no particular order here are my observations, questions and perhaps hopes for a new and different future ahead.
Isolation versus Connection - I've seen and experienced an interesting dichotomy during this enforced lockdown. While we have all been forced to self-isolate or at least constrain our contact with humanity we seemingly have never craved connection more. Social media has been both a bane of false information and the glue that has kept us connected and sane. If I reflect upon how life was for me over 50 years ago as a child growing up in a small rural community we had strong familiarity and connection with our neighbours. Prior to COVID-19, at age 55, I can honestly say that I interacted with my neighbours hardly at all. We were cordial but insular. What does the future hold? In a post-COVID-19 world will we revel in new opportunities for connection or will we be even more cautious and hold to our individual fortresses of solitude?
Individualism versus Collectivism - we have seen and experienced a marked contrast in human response (and even national responses) to the march of COVID-19. We have all seen - and perhaps contributed to - the run on toilet paper, hand sanitizer and ammunition in the past several weeks. We have seen narcissistic, self-serving/preserving and mercenary behavior from even our most esteemed leaders while at that same time seeing amazingly selfless acts and commitments from others. Most notable in this last category have been healthcare professionals across the globe. Will a post-COVID-19 world lead us to more self-centred and protectionist reality or one in which we aspire to collective support?
Tribalism versus Globalism - in the current reality, and perhaps for the right reasons, we have seen jurisdiction after jurisdiction shut its borders. This has impacted travel on a domestic, national and international level. Much like the behavior operative at a personal level in hoarding toilet paper, we have also seen commentary and actions on a national level relating to bans on exports to other countries of essential medical supplies. This has been supported by social and political commentary from some quarters that can be best paraphrased "Take care of our own first." What COVID-19 demonstrates, however, is that certain events respect no national or tribal boundaries. We are only as strong as our weakest link. So will we become more isolationist, protective (even racist) in a post-COVID-19 world or will we strive to become more unified as a species?
High Touch or High Tech - perhaps this comparison doesn't hold as a set of polar opposites. In reality we likely need both. The respirators, haz mat suits for a variety of professions, the monitoring capacity for health and security purposes, the scientific endeavours being urgently pursued to create vaccines and other palliatives all can seemingly act as barriers to the human connection we all need. Paradoxically, the challenges we are facing now will likely accelerate technological advances no less than battlefield experiences during World War II and other conflicts accelerated advances in the medical field. The question will continue to be how do we balance the need for human connection as we develop and implement technological advances?
Democracy versus Authoritarianism - prior to COVID-19 Western democracies were already experiencing significant moments of self-doubt and introspection. From the "yellow-jacket" movement in a number of countries, to Brexit, to the MAGA movement in the US (occasioned, in part, by disillusionment with the "establishment"), to nascent separatist movements in a number of countries. In contrast, "we" have felt the apparent strength and purpose from a country like China over the years as their economy - and political clout - has grown unencumbered by dissenting opinion. We have also started to mimic the authoritative approach to COVID-19 that China, Singapore, and South Korea have taken to minimize and control the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19. So what impact will this pandemic have on the future of democracy? We will expect and demand more from our leaders? We will expect and demand more of ourselves? Do we continue with multi-party democracy or, as in the current environment, expect more collaborative and consensus-building as opposed to left versus right jockeying for position?
Freedom versus Security - similar to the polar opposites noted above, have been the disparate responses (at least in western democracies) to the requests and then more forceful actions relating to social distancing, isolation and shutdowns. For some individuals (e.g., spring break participants, some political leaders) the constraints on personal freedoms and the impact to the larger economy are not just unpalatable but unnecessary or even unconscionable. In the words of some, the cure can't be worse than the disease. For others, the "temporary" loss of movement, association and general liberty are more than justified under the current circumstances. The question becomes, will western society continue to value personal freedom to the same degree going forward or will this become more balanced against the type of vulnerability that COVID-19 demonstrates we all share?
Capitalism versus Socialism - at this time of major economic dislocation, perhaps particularly in the US (but also in other countries) many have begun to question why the private sector and its political allies who would have railed against socialist policies or tendencies would now expect governments to bail them out. Likewise, we have also seen a dawning realization or stronger appreciation for the efforts of healthcare professionals, educators and those earning minimum wage as key backbones for what makes our economies and societies function. And we have seen governments across the world strive to get cash in the pockets of individuals to get them through the next number of months - universal basic income? With the exception of Alberta, we have also seen the public sector be a safe(r) haven for employment than the private sector despite calls for "social consciousness". What lessons will we take away and apply to the new world order after this particular crisis passes? What approach or philosophy will we take forward to how we live and sustain ourselves?
The challenges to leadership have never been more daunting, complex and dynamic than in today's environment. In some cases, the forces at play have been building for awhile and COVID-19 has merely sharpened the edges and pushed other things to the final tipping point. COVID-19 may have also helped us focus on true priorities What remains to be seen is what we will truly learn from this experience, how willing we will be to engage in honest self-reflection and make opportunity from this challenge.
It's All About Leadership.
_________________________________________________________
Greg Hadubiak, MHSA, FACHE, CEC, PCC
President & Founder - BreakPoint Solutions
gregh@breakpoint.solutions
www.breakpoint.solutions
780-250-2543
Helping
leaders realize their strengths and enabling organizations to achieve
their potential through the application of my leadership experience and
coaching skills. I act as a point of leverage for my clients. I AM their Force Multiplier.
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