Not sure we’ll see the wholesale change that some commentators are declaring can be the only result of experiencing this “unprecedented” event...
In my experience (longer than I care to admit) people have short memories and revert to familiar routines and practices relatively quickly. In fact, as a coping mechanism, that return to “normal”, to safety and security; the known, might be regarded as instinctive.
With that in mind, have you considered what habits you should be ensuring you do NOT revert to? Has working from home taught you anything about your working style and how you might improve or change what you do to be more productive or simply better? What practices/habits/meetings/reports have you realised were a total waste of time and effort? Now that you’ve experienced it, what will you absolutely not give up - what changes will you fight to retain as we transition to post COVID-19.
It was surprising to see how much (a lot of which had previously been considered at best, “difficult”, as worst “impossible”) was accomplished when it had to be - there was simply no choice. Nothing else intervened, total focus was given to getting s&*t done when it was clear what had to be done and the time frame - yesterday. Useful also to consider what should not have been receiving any headspace or airtime to start with. Too many “things” are undertaken on autopilot - no real thought given to their necessity, utility or value - short or long term. These need continuous challenge and reassessment - not just when something external turns our world upside down. Understanding the objective, eliminating the noise and waste and executing what is truly important should be the focus.
I’m not certain that there will be a whole new way of working or that we can “throw out the rule book”. History tells us though, that the will and ability to reverse laws made in times of “crisis” or following “unprecedented” events, often fades or becomes politically inexpedient. Our thinking and our response will need to adapt to whatever post COVID-19 looks like and that itself may be an extended state of fluctuating responses and trials until we find an equilibrium - mentally and as a society.
Hopefully it will be a chance for outdated frameworks and practices to be dismantled and perhaps simpler guidelines and scaffolds established to allow greater flexibility and accomplishment with less red tape. Governance rather than management from our governments (perhaps even a review of how many governing bodies are needed for a population of 25.5 million. Hint - it is less than we currently have) would be a good place to start.
Individually what we experience on the other side of COVID-19 is a choice for each of us to make.
