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