During these past weeks when we are all being asked to work, as much as possible, at home and limiting human contact, I have been attending a few online business meetings. Some of those meeting have had business consultants/coaches as speakers. Words that I’ve heard is that business should pivot, just like in basketball when the player with the ball keeps one foot in place and pivots, looking in various directions, to see what is their best next move. Follow John Boyd’s OOPA Loop (observe–orient–decide–act). Another is to RE-, which includes Revise, Resolve and Reset.
I’ve also been hearing, when we will get back to normal? Or when things get back to normal.
I’m afraid that the normal that we had will never return. Just as it didn’t after the Influenza breakout, the end of WWI, Kennedy’s Assassination, the Iranian Hostage crisis, and 9-11, the United States and the world is going to be different.
Aren’t we really in a time where we are evolving!
Evolution is defined as the process of growth and development. There have been many examples of how things have evolved since 2001. Two of the biggest are the Internet and our phones. Actually in a way these two have evolved together, even to some as one singular.
With Covid-19 and orders to self-isolation we are using the Internet and devices that we connect to it, phone, tablets, computers and TVs in new ways. Not that we couldn’t do business like this before, we were just comfortable or in some cases to work in the old standard ways.
Even though it’s only been a few weeks, we are already seeing ways businesses are doing things differently. Some because they have been forced, others so that they can survive.
What will we see in the future?
Will we be seeing a change in the Restaurant Industry?
Will it now be a time for chefs to create an out-dining experience, now that people have become more accustomed to take-out dining?
Will education move more towards online?
Will business offer more Work from Home Opportunities?
Will the US create more manufacturing jobs here at home, instead of overseas to stimulate the economy.
Will the handshake or hug remain a greeting?
These and many other questions will be answered in the New World after Covid-19.