Give something back...

It’s been made painfully clear lately that we can’t do much about the length of our lives: Covid-19 has certainly put a new emphasis on that. But in spite of this, we can control what we do with our lives: that’s why personal and corporate volunteerism programs that allow us to give back to others are so popular and important to our own lives and a company’s culture. In these trying times, there are countless examples of heroic and kind efforts: several chefs I know are cooking for the needy while their trendy restaurants are shuddered, companies here in Vegas are donating food and supplies throughout the community, and the media is full of stories about people contributing time, money and energy to support essential health care workers. President George HW Bush would have called these some of his “thousand points of light”: that’s how he referred to these kinds of wonderful ‘giving back’ efforts.  Remember: there's much that each of us can do. Put the width and depth of your skills and experiences to good use today.

Henry Louis Mencken (1880 – 1956): American journalist, essayist, satirist, cultural critic and scholar of American English

Start planning...

None of us have a crystal ball: we used to be fairly certain about what was coming but, now, all bets are off. The longer this outbreak continues, the less likely that things will go back to what wasn’t working before. Like crowded offices and packed airlines: personal space is going to take on a whole new meaning. Or the debate over whether remote work was practical: what will you do when employees say they prefer it. Or asking workers about things that used to be off-limits at work: such as where you’ve been, how’re you feeling, has anyone at home been exposed, and what’s your temperature. And the $15 minimum wage: the kinds of people and positions that have just come thru the crucible of being essential workers won’t be happy (to say the least) when companies try and take away their Covid-19 premium pay after all their heroic efforts. Leaders are going to have to be more up front about what’s required, more transparent about their plans, more realistic about the value of their workers. and more respectful of their employee’s concerns and new priorities. Legacy polices, traditional practices, and top-down management styles got upended this year: figuring out what comes next won’t be easy. Start planning that today.

Kanoe Namahoe: Online Editorial Director 

It's a whole new ball game...

Boy howdy, did Covid-19 turn the game of life against us. We were thrown a curve by this pandemic, forced to change nearly everything we do, left to figure too much out on our own, and pelted with nightly news that only serves to make us more confused and feeling more uncertain. If this were chess, one of us might have yelled “checkmate”. But it’s not: it’s life, and unlike chess, this game must continue. We each have to figure out when it’s safe for us – not keep listening to every argument. We must learn to do things differently – in many cases, taking matters into our own hands. We must decide what’s important – and having to choose between living and making a living is horribly difficult. And, if we’re honest with ourselves, we need to re-set our priorities – to remember that less may be enough. Around my neighborhood, the birds seem to be singing louder than I remember in the past…almost like they’re happier with the slower pace of everything around them. Maybe they know something. Like there’s a new game today.

Isaac Asimov (1920[a] – 1992): American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. He was known for his works of science fiction and popular science.

The truth counts...

My consulting partner and I have been posting a series of Lessons in Leadership During Times of Crisis on Facebook Live for the past 6 weeks: a recurring theme of these has been the need to be transparent and truthful. People are fearful and want to know what’s really going on, what they can expect, and how to plan their days and lives. So, we  look to our leaders – whoever and wherever they might be – to find something to rely upon. Everything we hear, see, and read counts. Everything. With all the fake talk about fake news, we’re left to wonder if anything’s real. Well: this virus is real, the impact of social distancing is real, the need to flatten the curve before we rush back out is real, still being safe if and when we can start going back to any of the things we used to do is real, and relying on the science is real. The truth is... all of these things count. Be aware of what you do and say today.

Countee Cullen (1903 – 1946): American poet, novelist, children's writer, and playwright

Listen to the science...

There are lots of opinions these days about when social distancing can or should be relaxed: whether we like it or not, the only ones that matter need to be rooted in the unavoidable truth of science. What’s making this more difficult than it should be is the fact that most of the people we need to be listening to seem more interested in making speeches than working together to make good decisions. Too many of them seem to have the need to stand up and speak; what we need is for all of them to have the courage to sit down and listen. If they’d put their seemingly unending differences aside in favor of their collective resources and ideas, we’d all be much better served. But the bickering and lack of collaboration is leaving the rest of us confused and at odds about what needs to be done. We all want this to end, but not for it to end badly. In times of crisis, the world needs good leadership, not partisan showmanship. A little bit of Churchillian courage would surely be helpful today.

Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965): British Statesman, Prime Minister, Author, and Nobel Prize Winner

Don't let frustration be your guide...

We’re all pretty scared by what’s going on around us and in times like these we need clear and well-thought out direction from experts. We’ve been cooped up for a long time and want to go out and enjoy the coming of Spring… but the science doesn’t support that urge yet. This is not a time to be impetuous or influenced by frustration or ill-conceived plans: the number of hospitalizations and deaths have not been declining enough yet, and that seems to be the criteria required to begin loosening our collective vigilance. When it does, I’ll be one of the first looking to get back to something more normal. But right now, my love of life is greater than my frustration and, like many, I fear rushing out too soon, getting sick or infecting others, and risking all the good that these past 6 weeks of isolation and deprivation have produced. Stay home and safe a little longer today.

Joanna Macy (born 1929): Author, Scholar, and Environmental Activist

Don't be too proud to listen and learn...

Life is full of experiences, some good, others not so much: it seems like these past 6 weeks have taught us more lessons than we normally get in a year. Nobody could have predicted what’s been happening these past few months  – even with the early warning from China of a new and potentially deadly virus, we mostly thought, based on what we knew from our past experiences, that the US had more than enough capacity to weather any large medical problem.  We thought our country and government agencies were ever vigilant and prepared for things like this. We thought that our hospitals were more than big enough to handle large patient loads.  We thought this couldn’t be any worse than a normal flu season or the SARs outbreak back in 2006. We were proud of what we thought we knew.  We’ve learned the hard way that we didn’t have nearly enough experience or preparation or capacity to deal with Covid-19. The lessons learned these past few months ought to be a wake-up call that we rarely know enough about the unknown. Pride often fools us into believing things that are just not true. Learn from this lesson today.

Vernon Sanders "Vern" Law (born 1930): American former baseball pitcher who played sixteen seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Keep an open mind...

Two months ago, most of us were on various paths, pursuing our business and personal goals. This Covid-19 virus intervened in so many different ways that now it’s unclear where any of us might end up.  Many have been infected: some got sick, others died, and we’ve all be blown off course: now we’ve landed in mostly unplanned but potentially interesting places. These include changed business plans, new schedules and workspaces, different assignments, various volunteer situations, new jobs and more… most of these are situations that none of us would or could ever have guessed. You may not know which way the wind’s blowing, but with an open mind, an optimistic attitude, and a little luck you may find a world of new opportunities and possibilities.  Whether we’ve passed the peak or have longer yet to wait, we’re on a course to a whole  new set of realities today.

Nora Roberts (born 1950): American author of more than 225 novels under her own name and more under the names JD Robb, Jill March and Sarah Hardesty

Listen and learn...

We know a lot about the flu, allergies, infections and many other ailments: sometimes we think we know it all. That’s why this Covid-19 virus has stumped so many ‘know-it-alls’.  It’s hard to admit you don’t know something, or that you have to learn something new, or, heaven forbid, admit you might have been wrong. Call it stubborn, or being in denial, whatever, it’s hard to learn something new. It’s fascinating these days to hear so many say they’re going to be guided by the science: for people with a good deal of knowledge and gut instincts to stop and be guided by technical experts is a lesson we all should learn from this pandemic. Right about now I’d love to go out, but the science warns against it… so I’ll stay home a bit longer until the science says the time is better. Don’t let what you already know prevent you from learning a potentially life-saving lesson today.

Claude Bernard (July 1813 - 1878): French physician and physiologist often called "one of the greatest of all men of science"

Let you feelings show...

When I think of humanity, compassion and mortality come to mind: two things that many of us are feeling and contemplating these days. Humans are mostly compassionate at heart, willing to give and then give more when asked: that’s the basis of the sacrifices we’re all experiencing and the efforts we’re making on behalf of the greater good. Mortality is the dark cousin of kindness as we worry about financial and health concerns: my heart goes out to parents having to add this to the list of things they need to talk to their young children about.  We spend our lives looking for ways to let others know we care, and often push worries about death off for another day: the former comes naturally, and the latter will most likely leave lasting scars and anxieties after this pandemic. The plague was always something from the Bible – to have one in our lifetimes will be something we’ll not soon forget. Staying safe helps overcome today’s fears. Put things in perspective and feel the giving part of your humanity today.

Benjamin Disraeli (1804 – 1881): British politician and one of the founders of the Conservative Party, who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Be a special contributor...

These uncertain times are bringing out the best in so many people. You’d think that being stuck at home would generally be a downer, but there continue to be lots of examples of resiliency and good cheer. A friend of mine organized all the shuttered restaurants in Las Vegas to adopt curbside and deliver service – this has been a lifeline for workers and diners. Another friend posted a picture of a long hallway in his home where his kids had completed incredible puzzles – a beautiful combination of art and family. In my daughter’s neighborhood the families have created roadways filled with games and exercises for all the kids – a community of contributors. People everywhere are delivering meals to hospitals and nursing homes to help the incredibly dedicated front line workers there keep on keeping on – caring and sharing. And the number of video calls between friends and families continues to grow and fill the airways – real heartfelt connections. And so many more. In the time we have during this coronavirus isolation, everyone is doing all the good they can for all the people they can, in all the ways they can. This is the true picture of our human spirit. Do all you can today.

William Barclay (1907-1978): Scottish Author, Professor

Understand your role...

“Our true work is not our job - that is what we do, not what we were created to do. Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other and to be of benefit to one another.” Bill Gates

Like many, I spent most of my life defined by the title on my business card: it said: “Human Resources”, and I thought that was pretty cool. But as I’ve often said here, the title was what it did, not what I was created to do. Everyone has a purpose and it’s rarely defined by a title: nurse, truck driver, Human Resources professional or secretary suggest what’s in a job description, not your heart. For me, it was the opportunity to do things for others, to serve, or to satisfy or alleviate needs; for others I suspect it is much the same: completing duties is different than fulfilling a sense of purposefulness. These days, our obligation is to distance ourselves socially, but our purpose is to protect ourselves and others, and like our work titles, they’re not altogether disconnected. Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other, and to be of benefit to one another today.

Bill Gates (born 1955): Businessman, and Philanthropist

Say "thank you"...

While many of us are staying home, we’re mindful of all those essential workers who are risking their health and well-being every day. And like the Thunderbird’s flyover I wrote about yesterday, there are a growing number of ways that people are finding to thank and honor them. Coronavirus shut-ins in New York and other major cities have started leaning out their windows to applaud and cheer those working to help and support them. Customers in grocery stores are thanking employees there for all they’re doing.  Neighbors are waving at and thanking the emergency room physicians who drive off to work at all hours of the day and night: to them, that’s their job, but to everyone else they’re heroes. Our hearts go out to all of them: restaurant workers, nurses, Amazon warehouse employees, correction’s officers, nursing home staff, Instacart shoppers, hospital non-medical employees, ride-share drivers, food processing plant workers, landscapers, truck drivers, pharmacists, bank employees, police, public transportation employees, fire fighters, and so many others who are making it possible for all of us to stay home and safe. In these scary times, they’re the people who are helping. Pray for them today.

Fred Rogers (1928-2003): Television Host, Educator, Minister, and Songwriter

It's the little things that count...

Four weeks is a very long time.  If you would’ve told me back in the first week of March that come Passover and Easter we’d still be quarantined in our homes, I’d have told you to ‘get out of town’. That’s a really long time, I would’ve said. But after all the facts and fear about this unseen enemy, most of us are ready to stay indoors longer.  To each do our small part to stop its spread.  Washing hands and social distancing are easy; staying away from all we know, and love is hard. There’s no end in sight; we’re scared and anxious and numbed by the numbers. So, it was a welcome relief this past weekend when the Air Force’s Thunderbirds flew over all the hospitals in Las Vegas to honor the men and women on the frontlines who are battling this pandemic.  It gave us pride and hope. It helped us begin a fifth week of this self-isolation and reminded us that our small part is helping to beat this thing. Stay strong and safe today.

Sally Koch: American author of children’s books

Damn these allergies...

“After obsessively Googling symptoms for four hours, I discovered 'obsessively Googling symptoms' is a symptom of hypochondria.” Stephen Colbert

I’m a bit of a hypochondriac – I imagine having every symptom I hear or read about.  That’s especially true these days: I Google Covid-19 symptoms every day to compare them to how I’m feeling. The real complication for most of us is that it’s now allergy season, when sniffles and sneezes are common, and when chills and chest congestion could happen at any time. While I practice social distancing religiously (no pun intended this week), I sometimes have to venture out to get groceries: that’s when the worrying really begins. Sometimes this awakens me at night, other times I fret that this ache or that pain could be the worst thing. This anxiety is always present and the people who are supposed to give us confidence just aren’t cutting it these days. These are good times to practice deep breathing and meditation, to remind ourselves of all the good and prudent things we’re doing, and to continue with these stay safe habits. Don’t let your mind run away with your confidence and common sense today.

Stephen Colbert (born 1964): American comedian, writer, producer, actor and television host.

Optimism matters...

Life these days is a road full of potholes, bumps and aggravation: but after 4 weeks of social distancing it appears to be leading in the right direction.  When I was younger we used to love getting into my VW van and heading out onto the country roads in rural upstate New York – they would lead from one town to the next, through fields and hills: we loved those roads as they always led back to where we started.  These days, getting back isn’t such a certainty – we may return to more normal times, but they probably will never be the same. Our former lives and habits will most likely be replaced by new routines and lingering anxieties, and life as we knew it will be forever changed. While social distancing is leading us slowly to where we all want to be, we’ll most likely never be so cavaliere as we once were. But, life will return to normal and we’ll begin again to lead it. Don’t let these bumpy times get you down today.

Harvey Mackay (born 1932): American businessman, author and syndicated career and inspirational advice columnist with Universal Uclick. 

Make things happen...

Last night was the first Passover Seder, a time when Jewish families gathered to remember their history and heritage. Next Sunday is Easter, a time when Christians around the world will celebrate Easter.  Both of these holidays are steeped in ceremony and gatherings, which this year have been upended by this Covid-19 outbreak. Most of us have struggled with imagining how to carry on in some meaningful fashion with these and other events. Like with many things, Zoom and other online communication tools are seen as viable possibilities around our isolation: my family met virtually for its Seder last night and it was in so many ways the next best thing to actually being together; we satisfied both our religious and social distancing needs. A month ago, I wouldn’t have guessed this might happen nor would I have been able to see how to make some alternative happen. Today I saw a news report that some churches will be holding Easter services in outdoor movie facilities – who would have ever thought that might happen.  It’s true: you have to imagine something is possible before you can see it happen. Continue to look for creative ways around life’s obstacles today.

Rita Frances Dove (born 1952): American poet and essayist who served as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress

It's a good time to stretch...

Everybody is challenging themselves to find new things to do and new ways of expression while being self-isolated. Scroll down through your Facebook feed and you’ll find all kinds of people doing all kinds of things: lots of music – even the Fenway Park organist is bringing the spirit from the old ball game; lots of helpful hints – from making masks to virtual tours; lots of nice to have stuff for sale - from creative inventors all over the world; and lots of personal notices –from old friends still here to those who have passed, like singer-songwriter John Prine, who died yesterday. It’s one of our default windows on the world: when used properly, it can be a spark that leads to greater knowledge and growth. But at the end of the day, it’s not the stuff you hear and read about that makes you grow, it’s the things you decide in quiet moments that will stretch you farther than you ever thought possible. During this forced down time, shut off your computer for a few moments each day and write or dream or hum something new. Challenge yourself to grow a little today.

Morgan Freeman (born 1937): American actor and film narrator

Have the courage to believe...

When they first advised everyone to shelter in place, we didn’t have any idea how bad this Covid-19 was going to be; we heard the projections and took that as reason enough to comply. Over these past 3 weeks, the constant news cycles and daily statistics drove home the severity of this pandemic. So, we stayed home. Without any guarantees that doing so would be successful. Is that courage… maybe; or being rational… probably. But as we watch these numbers, it appears that the only practical solution is social distancing. And now, as the Passover and Easter holidays are imminent, our instincts to be with family will surely be tested. My family is doing a virtual Seder and many of our friends will be attending church services virtually: these certainly are times, to paraphrase another, that try our souls. We must trust the experts and our own instincts, and have faith in G-d… I guess those are the only guarantees we have.  Have the courage to believe in them today.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 – 1832): Prolific German writer and leading statesman 

Find a little normal...

For many, today begins a 4^th week of self-isolation and social distancing in response to the spread of this Covid-19 virus. Because both of these personal actions are so unnatural, we all must continue to find ways to do them and also remain productive. Like many, during the past few weeks I’ve slacked off on getting fully dressed; sweats and slippers are more the norm now than before. But yesterday I put on a pair of shoes: I know, that doesn’t sound like such a big deal, but let me tell you, it made a world of difference in my mindset. Lesson learned: act normal to be more productive.  We all have the power to do our share to force this virus’ growth curve to flatten out. While this once-in-a-generation disruption to our lives, economies and societies continues to be confusing, bottom line is that ‘we the people’ have the power to do our share in reaching that goal by staying home.  So, continue to shelter-in-place, put on some shoes, and be productive today.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (born 1947): Austrian-American actor, filmmaker, businessman, author, and former politician and professional bodybuilder.

Stay strong...

The real test today is having the character to stay home and stay safe. Social distancing isn’t easy because we’re not wired to be alone.  All of our instincts are to gather with others, interact with them, and give and draw energy from them.  We always kept running to be with others, so much so that it was tiring.  Sheltering in place, and the worry that goes along with it are just as tiring. And the longer this goes on, the more we adapt to this rather unnatural state of being.  The test will be having the courage to go back out once this is over. But, for now, the test of our character is what it takes to stay away. Ace that test today.

Robert Reynolds Jones Sr. (1883 – 1968): American evangelist, pioneer religious broadcaster, and the founder and first president of Bob Jones University

Tell me more...

Boy howdy, have we ever learned this lesson in the past month. Most people I know are pretty knowledgeable about their work: they’ve had years of practice and experience and that’s helped them make a living. But some of the smartest people I know are confounded about this virus and what’s best to do: a little wisdom in this goes a long way. I have friends in Macau who went through this last year: we all read the stories and figured it could never happen here.  And when it started happening here, most of us never thought to ask for their wise advice. Well, I did just that this week and found they’d done some YouTube videos (see the links below) to share their experiences there and tell us what they learned. The lesson here is never mistake knowledge for wisdom; the first is good for making a living, while the second, in this case, can help us save lives. When faced with a vexing problem, find and ask someone who knows about it for their wise advice. That’s a good way to Stay Safe today.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962): U.S. First Lady, Diplomat, and Human Rights Activist

Please watch: (click on or copy and paste these links into your browser)

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FK_Cfks-Q5gE%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3-hq26bP-vEZjfPScLKBEvSThE07iqbbZKmkLF2g2_1YdEAXlqenciGAc&h=AT1zZPadb8pzdUFyNPrmqfhaO5UNVOuKOZoAGMGW7VTEzZE2cctAkd-w_2POqrf8O41pvMP5ERZnpmNUZenuJEzzDiKtO8fhtQmhyGHH6PGZihtX5MmSQAMjmk3kaadk8U9pXsg

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FoEEs0UGFH3w%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1k1e0FMugYZkGtjcnVYEAUE1YkhfypuHMzteD3fkHqBuedvkCTftAUVSk&h=AT3GHMyC8FEFZq12MfDEJthRN6fRXXuEhDCBe7n-zijBeBtltUIjrfYMR_yNDBgMojtnXQhFkkS4eb4dpCu6pEorKCKDT90IRyOBMqwi1bgtj9MiBcl5MIE3iaUxDUD3BAyESvo

Thank you Israel Zavalla and Liz Pat for these very informative videos.

Dig a little deeper...

Somedays you just don’t know what to believe: certainly, on April 1^st when jokes are normally rampant, and lately with all the news and opinions. Like most, I watch the news on TV, listen to it on the radio, and get bombarded by it online: if I’m not careful I end up believing as many as six impossible things (or more) before breakfast. The pandemic news, with politics subtly embedded within it, is hard to understand and sometimes unbelievable… that’s why it’s so important to look further, did deeper, ask questions, and talk to others before accepting or reposting things that are sometimes misleading or downright wrong. Our fears and anxieties are heightened during this crazy time: do your part and take responsibility for discovering the truth and making sure you’re not passing on some of these impossible things today.

Charles Dodgson (1832 – 1898): English writer of children's fiction (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)  better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll 

It's no joke...

Will Rogers once said: “everything is funny as long as it’s happening to somebody else”. Every year, on this day, we play jokes on others, and are on high alert for them trying to play one on us: that’s April Fool’s Day. Every year, it’s a fun day: this year, not so much. This year, almost nothing is funny and we’re hoping that nothing is happening to anyone else: that’s why we’re practicing social distancing, self-isolating, and hand washing. And even though we normally want all to be forgiven when we declare April’s Fool, this year we want all to be well when we say Stay Safe. Hopefully, there’ll never be another April 1^st like this; next year let’s hope that everything will be funny again, whether it’s happening to us or somebody else. No joke. In the meantime, don’t be a fool and stay safe today.

Will Rogers (1879 – 1935): American stage and film actor, vaudeville performer, cowboy, humorist, newspaper columnist, and social commentator from Oklahoma.