We Can Do This!

As I write these lines, I’m sitting in the Parc Milan, a beautiful park in Lausanne a few meters from my apartment, and I’m watching the colorful hustle and bustle. Small groups of friends, families, and couples are everywhere, enjoying the evening in the warm, early summer air and having fun.

We are in the final stages of the first wave of the corona pandemic here in Switzerland, and no one knows if there will be a second one. The so-called excess mortality rate is almost non-existent compared to flu years. Apparently, we all acted in time and with enough courage.

I also dare to predict that we will get out of the economic mess faster than some people fear simply because we combine enormous strengths and a strong work ethic.

Here is my point: I find it quite simply enormous and impressive how we, as civilized people, have managed to deal with such a threat. You can complain about our shortcomings as much as you like, but such a concerted global action (with some countries faring better than others) can only be achieved by people who can analyze and make informed decisions about the future. According to our present knowledge, no other living being can create such a result.

Here is the important conclusion. We can achieve extraordinary results if we

1. Agree on common goals and have the same understanding of their value (saving lives and getting through this pandemic as quickly as possible, for instance)
2. Take consistent action that most people stick to because they see the point in it
3. Remain confident that things will continue afterward and perhaps be even better for many than before (at least after a certain amount of time)

We also see that success is greater in countries where people have created this common understanding and acted accordingly.

The same connections apply to your company or your team if you want to make a big difference. You can achieve almost anything if you follow the points above. Count on your team. Here’s to a great future!