Why Planning Makes Sense, Especially During a Crisis

I don't know about you, but it feels like it's been a strange few weeks. In particular, the last several days, as my husband and I made our way back from Florida, with a stop in Philadelphia, to retrieve our daughter from college.

We did a lot of planning before hitting the road. However, sometimes even the best plans need to be adjusted.

For example, the hotel booked for us by the American Express travel agent didn't entirely turn out like it was described. As a result, we decided to keep driving, until we found a pet-friendly hotel that was also people friendly. We wound up finding a place that was ten times better than the one that was originally booked.

The coronavirus pandemic will end. So, let's plan for that now.

Here's what leaders should be doing right now to keep their organizations moving forward.

Think about your future staffing plans. The present and the future may look very different. There are only a few scenarios. Take each scenario and plan accordingly.

• You may have to release people, whom you’d like to hire again when business resumes. Remain in touch with these workers and help them as best as you can.
• Plans should be put into place to handle what will no doubt be an abundance of applications from job seekers looking for employment.
• Decisions regarding company leadership will need to be made, as well. During times of crisis, true leaders shine. Who on the team is doing a spectacular job of keeping workers engaged? Who is not?

Keep your head up. To safely navigate through these choppy waters, you will need to see what’s in front of you. You won’t be able to do this if your head is down.

The situation around this virus is changing daily, which means you will need to adjust as you go. Now’s the time to seek outside help. Reach out to those who can be a sounding board. This person may be a trusted advisor, coach, mentor, or even a peer. Don’t try and go through this alone.

Self-care is critical. You can’t help others if you require help yourself. That’s why it’s essential to take care of yourself, especially during this tumultuous time.

Make it a point to exercise and eat well. Get plenty of sleep. Stick to a schedule and end your workday on time. If asked for a favor, that is not a matter of life and death, say no. You’ll need to conserve energy for the bounce-back that is no doubt ahead of us.

Be kind. This morning, the clerk at the convenience store rung up my coffee as a refill, which is considerably less expensive than a regular cup of coffee. He told me that he was trying to give customers a break. I thanked him.

As I walked out of the store, with two cups of coffee in hand, a homeless man stopped me to ask if I could spare a coffee. I set down a cup of coffee next to him, and he thanked me.

It takes so little to be kind these days. If you see someone who can use your help, think twice before looking the other way. If an employee is struggling, and you have the power to lessen his burden, offer to do so.

Keep your focus on the future and be grateful for every day that passes.

©Matuson Consulting, 2020.

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