Find your rhythm...

Many of us are worn out from the stress and anxiety of this pandemic and all the changes associated with it. When our routines are upset as much as they’ve been these past few months, our body rhythms get out of whack, sleep patterns are disrupted, and habits change to meet the times. It’s exhausting and many find themselves sleeping more and still feeling tired. Some of the other Summer residents on this little Adirondack lake drove here from California and Oregon rather than fly on commercial airlines; between that anxiety and their fatigue, they’ll sleep well in this mountain air. Likewise, some of your colleagues at work have had to alter the way they live and work and will be anxious and/or exhausted from those changes: don’t be surprised if they’re unable to keep up with the things they were previously able to do. Everyone responds differently to stress and change: leaders (and friends) make note of these changes in personal performance and adjust their style and approach appropriately. Be observant as you interact with co-workers (and family and friends) and help them deal with the changes in their lives and their possible fatigue. Allow them to adjust today.

 

Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790): One of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a man of many talents 

Kindness matters...

I think it’s pretty common – both in general and especially during this pandemic – to  ask how people are doing; most automatically reply that they’re doing well. But you often see in their eyes that all is not well: either they’re scared of getting sick or someone they know has Covid-19. Yesterday a good friend let us know that his brother is in ICU on a ventilator: this news stunned us and brought the pandemic a little closer to home.  It’s a silent killer: all the more reason to be kind because many you meet may be fighting this hard battle.  They probably won’t tell you, choosing to just say everything’s okay. You never know. Several gaming businesses recently reported a growing number of Covid-19 cases among their employees; one reported an employee death. The news this weekend reported record numbers of new cases in several states and that’s a sober reminder that this pandemic is far from over. So, when you see someone, just be kind: practice safety and let them know you care. That’s not so hard, and it can make all the difference for you and them. These are indeed difficult times, but we all can do this simple thing to make it a little less dangerous.  That kind of kindness matters today.

 

Plato (428-348 BCE): Classical Greek Philosopher and Mathematician

Continue doing your best...

The headline in today’s paper is startling: US Sets Daily Record for New Covid-19 Cases! Ifear I’m beginning to sound like a broken record: I support safe practices and keep saying how astonished I am that some people seemingly don’t. While most people have committed a lot of time practicing safety and dampening the spread of this virus, some of them, when given the opportunity to now go out and do more things, are acting in ways that are reckless and inconsiderate. I want to go out and get back to something more normal as much as the next fellow, but I’m willing to do what it takes to assure that I and others (and especially the people I care about) stay healthy tomorrow and into the future. Meaning: wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands.  The Governors of Nevada and California announced that masks are now required when going outside, and even the Governor of Texas is imposing stricter safety regulations there to help stem the increase in new cases.  Good for them. Their message is clear: the best preparation for a healthy tomorrow is following these best safety practices today. 

 

H. Jackson Brown Jr. (b. 1941): American author best known for his inspirational book, Life's Little Instruction Book

Show that you care...

It’s been more than 16 weeks since restrictions to combat Covid-19 were initiated.  I initially thought we’d be sheltering (and I’d be focusing these daily messages on this) for several weeks, but not this long. And the news this week that the number of new cases is surging suggests it may be longer.  Given that, I wonder how long some people can continue to believe that doing the minimum of wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands isn’t the right thing to do. Companies that have reopened are wrestling with that question and are faced with a simple (but seemingly hard) choice: should they care enough to change the course of this virus by enforcing these safety practices, or not. The answer: they (and we) have to. They can really change what’s going on in the world if they do what’s right (and safe). Business leaders really don’t have a choice: it’s the only way to show they care about their employees and customers and communities.  Caesar’s Entertainment (the gaming company with the most properties) announced yesterday that they would require all customers to wear masks (they already required employees to wear them).  Good for them. It’s what we all have to do to really change the continuing impact of Covid-19 today.

 

Marian Wright Edelman (born 1939): American activist for children’s rights - she is founder and president emerita of the Children's Defense Fund.

Show a little kindness...

My summer home in the Adirondacks is at the end of a 1½ lane road along a quiet lake in the woods: there are 35 rustic “camps" out here . There are no rules or signs, but everyone waves to everyone else in a neighborly manner and, in that same spirit, everyone keeps a mask around their neck in case they meet someone walking or at the small rural Post Office.  There’s every political stripe here and yet nobody questions the need and responsibility to be neighborly: nobody mistakes this kindness for a weakness. I know there’s a debate about wearing masks and whether businesses should require customers to wear masks when they reopen: they do require employees to wear them but weren’t sure how customers might react to that requirement. Interestingly, many of the Native American casinos made that a requirement for employees and customers – along with non-smoking: for the most part, their guests complied.  Sometimes, leaders need to worry less about what people might think and more about what’s right (or, in this case, what’s safe). Leadership means making good decisions today.

 

Jeremy Piven (born July 1965) American actor, comedian, producer and Golden Globe and Emmy winner. 

Put one foot in front of the other...

I remember when they first advised everyone to shelter in place… said it might be a few months… nobody really knew. Now, I’m watching as they’re loosening up the restrictions… telling us we did a good job so far… and to keep being careful when going out. In both, those seemed difficult at first… until we got used to it and then it got easy (or easier). Even with a debate about who’s right or wrong, whatever we start doing (in this or anything else in life), it takes time to get used to change, to something new, to feeling your way and getting comfortable. Leaders need to ease us into life’s changes, explaining what and why and how, guiding us and resolving the questions and conflicts that naturally occur. This is no different. Because none of us have been in a pandemic before, or sheltered in place, or started to reopen; it’s going to be confusing and seem difficult at first. Leaders, like parents, should guide us to a place and time when it gets easier.  It won’t happen on its own, and we won’t get there easily. But we will get there, and it will get easier. Keep at it today.

 

Thomas Fuller (1608 – 1661): English churchman, writer and historian

Be safe this summer...

This past weekend’s Summer Solstice marked the longest day of the year here in the northern hemisphere and so the sun was well up for this morning’s final editing: I love seeing the sunshine and hearing the singing birds at the beginning of each new day. A solstice is indeed a time for reflection about what we want out of life and what we’re willing to do to achieve our goals. These days, one of those goals should be to stay healthy and safe during this continuing pandemic: that means understanding the dangers that still exist, being smart about what we each can do to limit our own and other people’s exposure to infection and respecting the health and well-being of others. While this Solstice marks the official beginning of Summer, let’s not take that as a license to run out and do whatever we want. With so many states both loosening restrictions and experiencing increasing numbers of new cases, let’s all be smart about releasing our pent-up energy while also doing what’s necessary to be safe. Celebrate the Summer Solstice the right way today.

 

Sarah Ban Breathnach (pronounced “Bon Brannock”) (born 1947):  American best-selling author, philanthropist and public speaker

Don't play the blame game...

There’s a lot of finger-pointing and second-guessing going on, which is a waste of time and energy. Lots of pent up energy from sheltering in place and the uncertainty about what’s going to happen next. It does no good to blame or complain about others – what leaders need to do now is identify the issues and things they can control, research the facts, bring people together to discuss options and alternatives, establish a positive and forward looking agenda, communicate openly and transparently, and set a good example. Leadership in times of crisis – and make no mistake, we are still in this Covid-19 crisis – is difficult.  This crisis is full of unknowns and the leader’s job is to guide people through it successfully. In these uncertain times, wisely direct everyone’s anger and energy towards problems – not people; and focus all their energies on answers - not excuses. Don’t take any of this personally, and don’t make it personal when dealing with others: keep it honest and professional.  Stay focused on facts and solutions today.

 

William Arthur Ward (1921–1994): American educator and public relations professional who was an often quoted writer of inspirational maxims

Don't take anything for granted...

We all take on roles that are comfortable: families, friends, colleagues at work, and even we ourselves, often take for granted the things we do (and are able to do). We also have things that we do throughout the year that we put on our calendars and look forward to: these too are habits we cherish and look forward to. We fall into these habits and patterns and take it for granted that we’ll always be able to do what we’ve always been able to do. Until Covid-19. Family members and friends get sick and we rush to their sides; co-workers and customers are there and we want to stand by their sides; it’s sunny outside and we want to be there with friends by our sides: we’re comfortable with the ways we’ve always been able to interact with these people and times. Until Covid-19. Now we can’t take all the people and things we enjoy for granted and that’s unsettling: old habits die hard and we don’t like change. But change we must if we’re all going to survive this pandemic. Don’t take your health and well-being, and those of the people you love, for granted: show your gratitude by doing what it takes to keep them all safe and well today.

 

Cynthia Ozick (born 1928): American short story writer, novelist, and essayist

Watch your step...

We’re constantly changed by life’s events. Where we’re born, the family that raised us, our neighborhoods and communities, friends we hang out with – they all have a hand in making us who we are. And then there are events like this pandemic. My grandparents were changed by electricity,  cars, airplanes, and telephones. My parents were changed by the depression, World War II. My generation has been changed by the cultural changes in the 60s, the Vietnam War, Woodstock and a man on the moon. Parents like me worry about the effects that 9-11, computers and the Internet, and now this pandemic are having on our children and grandchildren. I don’t want to sound overly dramatic or alarmist, but the unknowns associated with this virus, the lack of control we have against its spread, and the divisiveness it has caused are changing us all in different ways, some of which we don’t yet comprehend. When we emerge from this pandemic we may not be the same people we were when it started. Be aware that those around you are probably being affected and changing in subtle ways. Leaders need to be sensitive to those changes today.

 

Haruki Murakami (born 1949): Award-winning Japanese writer

Get to the bottom of the problem...

People often think they know everything… which is rarely the case; even more so with this Covid-19 pandemic. We’ve never seen anything like this, so it pays to learn all you can about this confusing situation and subject.  Don’t just listen to friends or people on Facebook; listen to everything and be curious about it all. You owe it to yourself (and your family, colleagues, friends, and neighbors) to find out the truth, whether you like it or not, or it complies with what your friends or the people you admire say, or not. So that when people talk about it, or ask you about it, you can speak the truth, with honesty… whether it supports your beliefs, or those of your friends, or not. And when you learn the truth (not just what you want the truth to be), act accordingly.  With integrity. Meaning: do what’s right for everyone, not just what you want to do. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Meaning: don’t do anything to infect anyone.  This is a pandemic - not a hoax or a partisan thing; this is serious – as in life and death. Be a leader in this – whether it’s in a company, team, family or community. Leaders are curious, honest, and act with integrity. Act like that today.

 

Roy T. Bennett: Author, of The Light in the Heart

Fact-checking matters...

I never was good at science classes in school – it was too abstract for me. So, to compensate for that I’ve read as much as I could find about the science behind Covid-19 and the ways it can spread. The preponderance of information shows that doctors from every political stripe agree that the transmission of this virus is

greatly reduced by masks and social distancing. Still, there are people who disagree with this claim: I can accept disagreement on lots of topics – that’s the wonder of our democracy, but to argue that this virus is a hoax is both uninformed and disrespectful to all who have died and the health care workers who’ve put their lives at risk trying to treat or save them. One way to be satisfied with our opinions and content with our knowledge is to do our homework to make sure we know what’s factually correct. In this Covid-19 world, knowing what’s right or wrong can be a matter of life or death. If you’re responsible for opening up a business (or your home) you owe it to yourself and others to research what’s right today.

 

Elbert Hubbard (1856 – 1915): American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher

 

Walk the talk...

Now, more than ever, everyone needs to act responsibly: sounds simple, but apparently it’s not. So many people feel like they’re owed the freedom to do whatever they want: some feel like they’re invulnerable, others think this virus is a hoax. So, as the world takes baby steps towards reopening, many are throwing caution to the wind like this pandemic’s over. Yesterday’s stock market crash was caused by a fear that this attitude will lead to a continued disruption to our nascent economic recovery efforts. It’s not like we all have to forego opening our businesses or an enjoying these summer months: if we act responsibly (meaning wearing masks and continuing to practice social distancing) we can minimize potential flareups and continue getting back to normal. Leaders need to be clear about these acts of personal responsibility: those who practice and enjoy responsibility usually get it and are successful; those who merely like exercising authority usually lose it. It’s time that people say what they mean and mean what they say; that they talk the talk and walk the walk. Step back and assess your responsibility and act in ways that, responsibly, serve the common good. That’s how to support the economy’s recovery today.

 

Malcolm Stevenson Forbes (1919 – 1990): American entrepreneur and journalist, known as an avid promoter of capitalism and free market trade

Be patient...

The news this week is full of pictures of businesses reopening and people stepping out, and headlines like:  The World Reopens, Despite Skyrocketing Coronavirus Cases; Farewell to Gummy Bear Jars: Tech Offices Get a Virus Safety Makeover; There Wasn’t a Playbook for How to Live During a Pandemic, So We Created One; and What If Working From Home Goes On…Forever. After all this time sheltering in place, these re- opening changes are not exactly what many expected. So, it’s best to be patient in these transitional times: things may happen in a different order than the one you have in mind, but don’t worry, now that it’s started, these things will become clearer in the next weeks and months. And, be flexible in case you need to alter your plans: use your own judgment when deciding what’s best for your business, employees, customers, and families.  Take a deep breath as you navigate these changes (and headlines) today.

 

David Allen (born 1945): American productivity consultant who is best known as the creator of the time management method known as "Getting Things Done"

The times are (still) a-changin...

The 1960s were an awesome time to come of age: we were children of the greatest generation and enjoyed freedoms and opportunities beyond our wildest imaginations.  In the first semester of my freshman year at Cornell, African-American students there protested the inequities they faced. Many of us watching those events had the sense that we were privileged to be college students and that implied a responsibility to use that opportunity for good. We chanted and marched in support of those students and felt like we were part of something that could change the world. That was more than 51 years ago and the news and protests this past week showed there’s still a long way to go. I’m a different person than I was back then but I still believe that everyone has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that we’re all equal under God. Let’s remember that simple yet powerful premise today. 

John Davison Rockefeller Sr. (1839 –1937): American business magnate and philanthropist, widely considered the richest person in modern history

Decide for yourself...

As the world continues to reopen from the Covid-19 lockdown, everyone is noticing what others are doing and deciding what they themselves should do. I wear a mask when I’m out and find myself getting agitated when I see others that are not, but it has dawned on me that I have to get over that. It’s my choice whether I go into the stores that allow customers in with or without masks: Smith’s doesn’t require them, Smart and Final does – so I have a choice to make whether or not to shop at Smith’s.  I must focus on my doing what I think is best, not spending time fretting about the choices that others make. When it comes to choices, we’re each responsible only for ourselves: no sense worrying about others – what they do is their responsibility. Business leaders need to decide what’s best for their companies and employees and not worry what their competitors are doing. That’s the best way for leaders and individuals to conduct themselves today.

The Buddha (5^th century – 4th century BCE): Philosopher, mendicant, meditator, spiritual teacher, and religious leader who lived in Ancient India 

Let freedom ring...

"At the core, the American citizen soldiers knew the difference between right and wrong, and they didn't want to live in a world in which wrong prevailed. So they fought, and won, and we, all of us, living and yet to be born, must be forever profoundly grateful." Stephen Ambrose

Remember and honor all who fought on D-Day to preserve our freedom. What they did then made possible all that we have today.

Stephen Ambrose (1936 – 2002): American historian and biographer, longtime professor of history, and author 

Show your loyalty

I’ve spent most of this pandemic’s lockdown in our downtown Las Vegas home: working, writing and networking with family, friends and colleagues around the world. Now I am settled for the summer here in the Adirondacks and checking in online with locals in addition to maintaining my other correspondences. Interestingly, I find little difference in the thinking and outlook of all of these geographically diverse folks: there’s a wide variety of perspectives and opinions, but all agree that we’re all in the same boat in a stormy sea. And while the same diversity applies to how they’re each approaching the lurching progress towards returning to new normal times and circumstances , many realize they owe each other a terribly loyalty: after all, the numbers force us all to be acutely aware of the delicate nature of our collective mortality. I personally don’t mind wearing a mask in furtherance of our collective safety and appreciate all those that do the same; but I frankly don’t understand those that won’t wear one and so I’ll keep my distance – both in meters and, going forward, in our relationships. This kind of loyalty I am giving and expect to receive today.

 

Gilbert Keith (G.K.) Chesterton (1874 – 1936): English writer, philosopher, lay theologian, and literary and art critic

Be a leader...

It’s interesting to observe how people are acting during this transition back to more normal times. Most seem to accept the concept of social distancing, but wearing masks clearly is problematic for some. Most are cautious as they leave their sheltering places, but some seem hell-bent on doing whatever they want or can. Into this broad spectrum of responses and reactions is needed something clear and trusted that we can follow, and that’s where leadership normally comes into play. Parents, business executives, and civic leaders – those are the people that normally step in and help lead us in times like this: they remind us that we can’t just float through life, that our actions can’t be incidental or accidental. Like in that old movie “Network”, we can be mad as hell and unwilling to take whatever things are bothering us anymore, but we need to be civil and aware that what we do has consequences.  Again, that’s where leadership comes in, the clear and understanding kind that helps people find their way. These are tough times for leaders. Nonetheless, effective leadership is what’s needed today.

Raiford Chatman "Ossie" Davis (1917 – 2005): American film, television and Broadway actor, director, poet, playwright, author, and civil rights activist

Look at your options as opportunities...

Every difficulty is an opportunity to learn, change, and grow. This Covid-19 pandemic, and the lockdown that ensued, has created opportunities for business leaders and employees, families, and individuals. Now that we’re reopening the economy, those opportunities abound to fix things that weren’t working right before and reset practices to address the way things will operate in the future. Here in the Adirondack Mountains, most of the businesses rely on vacation residents and visitors, and they’re all struggling to figure out how to operate safely and profitably.  Old Forge is the resort town closest to my vacation home and the debate there includes closing the main street to automobile traffic and restricting it as a pedestrian thoroughfare, creating outdoor space for safe dining, walking and shopping access.  It’s a reasonable idea but, because it’s a change to the way things have operated for more than 100 years, there is much consternation and resistance. Communities and businesses everywhere are having these same discussions: it’s a perfect time for effective leadership to put everything on the table, foster inclusive engagement and communications and reset perspectives. Find the possible silver lining in the changes you’re considering today.

Rebecca Henderson: Professor at Harvard University’s Business and Economics Schools, and research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research

One for all and all for one...

I am back in the Adirondack Mountains for the summer. This is the oldest and largest state park in the US: 6 million sparsely populated acres, more than 10,000 lakes, 130,000 permanent residents, and more than 200,000 seasonal visitors. This year’s pandemic has the permanent residents both worried about the health implications from the potential influx of all the seasonal visitors and anxious about the impact on their businesses and livelihoods if the seasonal visitors are hesitant to come this season. It’s the same arguments and concerns raised in Las Vegas and hundreds of other US cities about the reopening of their casinos, and in all the other other towns and cities around the world about the reopening of their businesses. Here, masks (for employees and customers) and social distancing are mandatory for all businesses and it appears that everyone is complying. The balance between safety and commerce here is working now because most realize that nobody wins unless everybody wins. But it’s early in this reopening process and everyone’s wondering what will be when the summer vacation season really hits later this month. Staying and playing safe is what everyone here hopes will be the basis of a successful summer vacation season. That’s a lesson to be learned as politicians, business leaders, and customers seek to balance their safety and economic concerns today.

Bruce Springsteen (born 1949): American singer, songwriter, and musician who is both a solo artist and the leader of the E Street Band

Take the good with the bad...

For the past 3 months I’ve been sheltering in place with my wife and our new dog: our time alone has been filled with both comfort (together) and anxiety (about the world pandemic). But last week was my wife’s birthday and we celebrated it with our two granddaughters (who’ve been similarly sheltered): the looks on their faces when they helped her blow out the candles was a reminder that we’re surrounded by so many good things in these trying times. The next day we returned to our summer home in the Adirondacks: these magnificent mountains are a reminder that nature still is beautiful in these Covid-19 times. And today, Las Vegas’ casinos and most of the rest of its economy reopen: meaning it’s okay for people to again think about having fun. It’s true that people tend to focus on the things that worry or disappoint rather than remember to count their blessings all the time. Let’s all try to remember the good things we have in bad times and to practice common sense as we transition back to some more normal times. Magnify that message today.

John R. Wooden (1910-2010): Basketball Coach, Author