Recently, the COVID-19 debate over should we save lives or save the economy has taken center stage—and I don’t like the false choice. I think that we have enough smart people in this country to do both.

Since my own background is not in medicine, my personal focus is on what I can do for the economy.

If you’re a doctor, nurse, stock clerk, or truck driver, please focus on how you can save lives, and let  other of us know how we can help.  I believe that there are plenty of people willing to help and we will innovate to solve any challenge.

First off, regardless of which area is your expertise, everyone’s first priority should be to stay safe, and do what is in our power to help keep others safe.

If you are staying safe, and trapped in your basement or home office looking for ways to contribute, here are a few ideas:

  1. Help someone in need. Off the clock, this means help in your family or community.  At work, this means reach out to a co worker (digitally) and see if you can help. Or if you are in procurement, or are in a position to hire a contractor, or a vendor, please keep the wheels of the economy where you can do so safely.
  2. Identify an improvement project. For many of us, working from home can be a great time to get in some deep work done. Tackle one of those projects that you said “If I ever get some time…”
  3. Start/relaunch your “employee ideas” program. Now is a great time to solicit ideas from employees who might have more time on their hands than normal. How can you turn this problem into an opportunity?
  4. Pick up a shelved project. Is there a project that you had to put on the shelf because you got too busy? Maybe now is a good time to dive back in!
  5. Do some long-range planning. Finding quiet time can be difficult for many of us in the regular schedule.  Quiet time might be exactly what you need to develop that new strategic initiative.
  6. Revise or improve your training materials for an existing course.
  7. Participate in a virtual training event.
  8. Attend a webinar or online conference.
  9. Convert your live training event to a webinar-based event.
  10. Make a purchase.  If money is tight, don’t over extend yourself. However, if you’re in position to help by ordering takeout, or buying from a small business, please do it.

 

We are still working (remotely)  during this Coronavirus crisis.  We are ready, willing and able to help any organization that wants to tackle some projects regarding your Improvement program.   Let’s stay positive and do our best to turn this problem into an opportunity.