A Lesson From COVID

In December 2019, the Coronavirus was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) as having being detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. January 2020 saw the virus being declared a global health emergency & in March 2020, the UK entered its first national lockdown. Now, whether you feel that we are still in or very much out of the danger zone is a topic for another day but upon reflection I can see some a very valuable life lesson from a season that greatly affected us all in ways that we will never forget. May those who sadly passed away - continue to Rest In Peace.

Across the globe we saw face coverings quickly become mandatory in schools, hospitals, restaurants, churches, shops & business establishments. The idea was to limit the travel distance of the virus when people used their mouths to cough, sneeze, breath & talk etc… in an attempt to reduce the chances of people getting infected by the deadly virus. If statistics are to be believed - they contributed greatly to reducing the number of casualties.

Now on a similar tangent, pre & post pandemic - uncovered mouths have always been and will continue to be a danger. A danger to ourselves when we don’t filter the words that come out of our mouths and a great danger to those who are on the receiving end of our chosen words. We have all heard the saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” - it also only takes a few years on this Earth to know that to be a lie.

If we honestly reflect - many of relationships over the years whether it is with family, friends, colleagues or business have often been strained or even utterly destroyed because of the power of words. Whether it was an insult, an apology that came across half hearted, gossip, criticism, anger and so forth - when we a filter is not applied over words spoken there are certain ramifications to this.

Furthermore if we are talking business, the strength of any CEO far beyond the money they make will always be the relationships that they forge along the way. I have found that OFTEN it is not a NEW idea, strategy or location that will provide the breakthrough an individual is seeking. But rather an honest analysis of the way said individual SPEAKS to the people in their world and the effects this has had on their environment. A saying goes: “one genuine new business relationship is worth a fistful of business cards.” I AGREE!

In order to be a great leader & CEO you must always ask yourself the following questions before addressing something. Even when the other party is wrong - the goal is to land on a productive & progressive outcome. It is never for you to simply release all of your anger & frustration and make yourself feel better. No. A wise leader builds their environment & people even in the midst of the whirlwind of their own personal emotions.

Ask yourself:

1. Is it TRUE?

2. Is it HELPFUL?

3. Is it INSPIRING?

4. Is it NECESSARY?

5. Is it KIND?

Here is to being great, intentional & progressive leaders in 2022!

- Prieska