Leading Through COVID-19

On this Saturday afternoon, I'm guessing you're trying to determine what just happened? COVID-2019. WOW!

This one week we have faced so many challenges and made so many changes. And the next few months promise to be trying times for most people around the world.

I want to share what I went through this past week and the lessons I have learned.

March 16th

LEADERS LEAD; "A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others do." (Leroy Eims)"

Bill Gates gave a TED Talk in 2015 explaining how we needed to prepare for a pandemic. "The next outbreak? We're not ready."

March 17th

Are you the one?

Are you part of the solution? 

Let's BE part of the solution and not the problem!

March 18th

We're going to get through this. These are uncertain times that can evoke a sense of loneliness, particularly now due to self-quarantine and self-isolation. Globally, we're defining new normalcy. And while it's a challenge, we're all in this together. 

Just as we're adopting measures of frequent hand-washing for 20 seconds and maintaining 6 feet of social-distance between ourselves and others, the need to emotionally connect with one another is equally critical for our well-being and mental health.

How do you intend to get through the constant news updates about the spread of COVID-19? Your answer and intention matter. 

Similar to the value of weekly meal-prep, determine your media consumption in advance. Have a schedule for when and how much news you'll watch, read and listen to. We have complete control over this aspect of our lives. 

More people asking to be tested for the virus than there are tests currently available. And we don't have answers to a lot of questions. 

This expectation for knowledge can provoke anxiety, as we're accustomed to solving our problems with an immediate keystroke and a Google search. Unprecedented times require different applications. During this pandemic, it means accepting we have to take a collective step back and appreciate the information we do have. 

Please don't allow panic and the need to know, turn your otherwise compassionate heart into an adversary of your neighbor and community. Initiate a phone call and connect with someone, appreciate the people around the globe fighting this crisis, and be considerate during your next trip to the store by purchasing what's actually required to sustain you and your family. 

It's clear that we need each other more than we're ready or comfortable to admit. Collectively, our support and kindness for one another is the only antidote to remedy loneliness, stress and overwhelming angst we'll experience during the days, weeks and perhaps months ahead.

Let's approach tomorrow with a conscious understanding of how we're all in this together. No one is immune to this pandemic and in that way, each of us is connected globally to one another. 

No one has a crystal ball and can predict what'll happen next. But rest assured, kindness, consideration, and empathy, can only help as we forge together in creating our new normal.

In the coming days and weeks ahead, I will share information to help us stay informed and purposefully connected to one another. Let's focus on the good throughout our journey of uncertainty. We are all in this together.

March 19th

DON'T JUST GO THROUGH THIS, GROW THROUGH THIS.

Thank you for all your BIRTHDAY WISHES! 

My wish is for others (including my friends) to do something compassionate during this challenging time and donate $5.00-$20.00 to a charity near and dear to your heart. 

March 20th

For many, today marks the end of our first collective week of self-quarantine. With everything going on, I need to convey how much I value you and our community.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious or perhaps scared?

Whichever emotion you're currently feeling, I want to remind you that it's normal. Our well-being is constantly challenged by the hour, because of the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the dramatic spikes in unemployment.

During today's press conference, President Trump, and his task force, indicated within 15 days, we'll know if the guidelines and precautions we've diligently followed, have worked.

Until then, we must maintain physical distance and stringent personal hygiene. We can appreciate that the government has extended the tax filing date to July 15. And perhaps find some relief knowing they're working on creating a financial stimulus for all Americans.

In these trying times, we need to rely on our faith.

Right now, you may feel like your faith is being tested while navigating these unchartered waters. Even though most places of worship have closed, we can still find congregation and community by participating in online talks and sermons.

This is an opportunity to realize that God doesn't abandon us but continues to walk with us. This is a time when people can come together and be united in faith and community.

This is also a time for everyday people to help everyday people. We have to all work together. Stay patient and stay precautious. Blessings...

 Farshad Asl www.farshadasl.com