A lesson learnt from 2020. We are one. Challenged and changed. 

By Ulf Bauer

2020 has taught us many things, but maybe there is one overarching thing - a nasty little virus has given us a simple lesson. Despite all our differences and all our strengths gained from diversity, we are one in facing a common challenge. It might sound like a rather tired and hackneyed tag line, but it is one that we should cherish and make the most of. 

The Covid-19 virus and a subsequent global pandemic has impacted everywhere and everyone in some way or another. It has challenged the global population socially, politically, economically like never before in modern times.

There is literally no-one on earth who has not been challenged and changed in 2020 – by positive attitudes and appalling behaviors, by masks and lockdowns, by the explosion of digital and implosion of travel, by severe health risks and their consequences, by restricted and risky opportunities with family and friends, by job losses and job opportunities … you name it, we have all been through it.

Challenges and changes from COVID-19 and the pandemic will continue for months, if not years to come. We will remain one in facing and taking the risks, dealing with our problems and seeking out opportunities. We will remain one in hoping for better times and the effective solutions to defeat this virus that are on the way. It’ll take time for some form of normality to return A tiny little virus has taught us a simple lesson. Challenged and changed, we are still one.

So what does this lesson mean for companies and business?

Imagine, a company that truly acts as one. It would be aligned by a strong value base and successfully driven by common goals. From CEO to middle management, from supervisory board to blue collar workers, it would live one set of values, it would have a common corporate language and deliver one voice to all its stakeholders and markets. 

One has to assume, that’s a good place to be. Well led and resilient, aligned and one to cope with challenges and change. This would be a place where a clear and purposeful unity will drive sustainable solutions not just for the benefit of the company but also for wider society. If that’s the company you work for then you will already be seeing the benefits. 

If that’s the company you want to become, you might want to start the journey now. It’ll be worth the effort. It’ll raise your competitiveness and your relevance, to your markets and customers and for your employees and stakeholders. Relevant now and in future. You’re not getting forced on this journey, but it is in your hands. You’re the one in the driver seat. 

It might be worthwhile to challenge and change than to be challenged and changed.