For those of us that own and operate a business, these are interesting times. For some quarantine has meant 14 days, for others it has metaphorically been several months.
If you are a type A Driver like me, it’s been excruciatingly difficult to change how to think and how to operate. In case you’re wondering, Type “A” s add items to their to do list, not because they are that important, but because they can be stroked off by the end of the day. That is OUR self- gratification:) I have had to give myself permission many times; permission to go for a long walk in the middle of the day, have a nap after lunch, send a silly note or joke to a business associate or friend, reorganize my desktop and filing cabinet, and read anything and everything. I am trying to attend at least one webinar per week on a myriad of different topics. Sure, I am still conducting business, but increasingly I am doing so based on others’ schedules and priorities, very cognizant of what could be going on in their worlds. I don’t need as much gas for the car anymore, I need to keep my tank full of patience! I am catching up on my volunteer duties with two different boards.
I have also had to practice forgiveness more times than I can imagine. For the passer-by not wearing their mask, for the groups bunched together and hogging the path in the park (forcing me into the shrubbery), for our provincial and federal officials going from soft to hard back to soft and then dialing up hard to tough. For giving the big box stores a pass but keeping gyms, fitness centres, dance studios closed even when they proved they could operate safely. Similarly, local restaurants, many of whom cannot afford the commission delivery services charge, or in rural areas even have that option, have been unfairly penalized, many to close their doors forever. There just is not the data to back up the restrictions in certain areas and mere pennies on the dollar in programs to compensate for their hardship. Mental Health is not just a topic for January (although kudos to Bell). It is a growing crisis that will have a much bigger impact on society than Covid ever could.
Back in March I was sad, by the second wave I was mad. Then, I became determined; determined to be ready when needed with the best resources possible to help our clients. The economy will recover and as it does, business will need to scale for growth. They will want to acquire talent on a contract basis and be looking to outsource entire job functions. I am trying to have as many conversations as possible with like-minded executives about what the new world will look like, whenever we get there. There is an incredible array of talent interested in becoming successful as a contractor.
I know we will come through this stronger and more resilient. We will lick our wounds, mourn the loss of human life, strengthen our mental health, and bring our pent-up energy to bear to restore our social and economic wellness.
“For myself I am an optimist – it does not seem to be much use to be anything else.” Winston Churchill
Mark Olson
Managing Partner & Principal
