As you lead through unprecedented times, I want to share a few thoughts that may be helpful now and as the situation becomes more challenging over the coming week and months:

Beware the fallacy of linearity.

Our brains want to think that we can plan for a linear progression – whether it’s number of cases, closures or how much time we have to prepare. The reality that what we are facing will likely have more of the qualities of a logarithmic scale. Plan for rapid acceleration and don’t expect you will have time to react. That requires being several steps ahead with plans in place including redundancies in case of failure.  Which brings me to my next point.

NOW is the time to cross-train and establish redundancies of critical functions.

Who will sign checks if the CFO and Controller are both ill or caring for sick family? Are there key aspects of your business that only 1 or 2 people know well? Get that knowledge shared today. One last consideration: who will take over for you if you are not able to lead? Is there a third, fall back option in place as well?

Check yourself.

You likely have been running extremely hard the last few weeks, planning, anticipating and solving problems. Pause for just a minute. Does your family have what you need for the next few weeks?  Can you get some rest to bolster your immune system for when you will need it most?  Are you getting ANY exercise? Don’t forget your own self-care.  It has never mattered more.

Don’t get lost behind the keyboard.

As we retreat to our homes to work, many of us now will now balance a spouse working from home and/or children out of school. It’s easy for you and your leaders to slip into management by email. To the extent possible, find ways to use Video Conference capability (e.g., Zoom) Pick up the phone to check on the troops and encourage them during a stressful and dynamic time. And don’t drop regular cadences of staff meetings and 1on1s even if they are shorter than normal. Regular contact promotes agility in a crisis.

Adjust proactively to the productivity haircut.

While some people will be more productive working for home, most will be distracted and possibly even sick along the way. Ruthless prioritization is essential right now – pick what is most critical, drive focus and check on progress to ensure the business delivers matters most. At the same time, be prepared to adjust rapidly when needed. Weekly prioritization calls can be valuable in times like these.

Hopefully you find these thoughts useful.  I’d be also be interested to hear what you are doing. Click here to contact me.