Lessons in a Global Pandemic
In any and every situation regardless, there are lessons to be learnt, only if you are conscious enough to pick up those learning nuggets.
As I was observing how the world reacts to this global pandemic, I realize some similar traits displayed by people when faced with this uncertainty.
Let me share with you my top three. I would recommend that you add on to this list if you believe there are others worth noting.
1. People distrust / having a lack of trust
What do you think will happen once the government of the day announces a lockdown, a pending lockdown, an upgrade to security level to red (for instance), a travel ban whatsoever which will interrupt the daily lives of people?
I believe the first thing people will do, will be to rush over to their nearest supermarket, right?
Panic buying ensues, right?
Especially on so-called essential items such as toilet paper. You can already visualize the empty aisles and shelves at nearly all the supermarkets.
The government has constantly reminded people that supplies of essential items will suffice and are sufficient. There is enough for everyone and there is no need to hoard up those items. There is no need to buy until others are deprived of similar necessities. All over the world, governments have reiterated the fact, yet all over the world people are behaving exactly the opposite of what is required.
How come people are behaving as such?
It just boils down to the lack of trust. No one trusts that their government would be able to provide them sufficiently. No one trusts that should they be in a position of need; their government would be able to provide for them. If you trust someone, you will not question his/her judgement and/or decision, right? People should listen and comply but instead of doing just that, everyone went the opposite. Better over-buy, better hoard up for my own benefit rather than buying just enough to last through the week. Better me than someone else. If others are unable to buy the items they need, it’s their problem. They should have queued up earlier.
2. Stupidity reigns over logic
Is stocking up essential items an act of stupidity?
No, but stocking up a lot of toilet paper is.
How come the first item in most people’s mind is toilet paper?
Have you ever seen trolleys of toilet paper being purchased while queuing up at the payment or check-out counters?
Aisles which are normally depleted of stocks are those for toilet paper or other paper-related stuff.
In times of panic, our brain function differently. Instead of thinking logically, everyone thinks irrationally, but by hoarding up toilet paper which would probably be enough to last you a lifetime borders on what I would term as stupidity.
I would rather change my mental state and stock up on food items and other personal necessity items, but enough to last me a week and then, replenish the week after.
If you have utmost trust in your government when they tell you that there are enough supplies for everyone, there is no need to panic buy. So, having trust removes the need to be stupid.
3. True leaders emerge
There are leaders everywhere, at home, at work or even in your respective countries.
But true leaders emerge when there is a crisis. Take this global pandemic, for instance. How many of the world or country leaders behave like true leaders? Leadership in the sense of taking accountability of this crisis which is happening to their companies or countries and taking the appropriate actions to negate where possible.
Look around the world and observe for yourself how different world leaders react to the pandemic in their home countries.
Some made tough calls to curb movement by locking down an entire city or state or country. Some took drastic steps in ensuring self-quarantine are adhered to by threatening to throw those who flouted the laws into prison. Some just took it easy by claiming that this crisis would never happen to them. Never?
Some decided that their focus was elsewhere, on refugees’ issue, on immigration issue, on politicking issues whatsoever until the situation turned for the worse. It is all about priorities.
To me, true leaders are those who are far-sighted and had anticipated all possible challenges before they happen. They take all the necessary steps to ensure no occurrences of the crisis and even if the crisis happens, all steps are already in place to negate or minimize or resolve. Would you agree with me that true leaders are proactive?
Can you already identify the true leaders in the world right now with the pandemic rearing its ugly head?
Are leaders in your workplace or organization true leaders? Can you identify them?
What about yourself? Are you a true leader?
These are three traits I had observed the last few weeks and months. I am sure there are many others. Let me know if you agree with them.
Stay safe, always.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
