Punctuated Equilibrium
Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor. — Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President.
Those with moderate interest in science probably remember that the phrase “Punctuated Equilibrium” was used by Stephen Jay Gould, the gifted and well-known evolutionary biologist and palaeontologist at Harvard University — to describe how our world has evolved over many millenniums. Equilibrium would exist for a while, only to be disrupted by an event of one sort or another, which would then start the planet down the path to yet another equilibrium. Our current situation is akin to this — and, it will evolve us over time. The theory of evolution postulates that changes, such as speciation, can occur very quickly, with long periods of little change in between.
For species — this means they must evolve or perish as the world around them changes. This is just as true for ‘teams’ as it is for organisms. I think it helps you to think of ‘your team’ as a new organism that we will evolve stronger over time with punctuated equilibrium — brought on by COVID -19. Every person chooses how to deal with challenges. If that person is proactive, then they will focus on preparing. But if that person is reactive, then they end up focusing on repairing. So, adopt a proactive pandemic mindset. Find structure in your day as you work from home. Get into a discipline and routine. And — dress, present yourself appropriately as you would if you are at the office.
The above quote by FDR is fitting — yet simple, but very profound given the current scenario. Humans do better in adversity than in luxury. Adversity is an opportunity to determine the best possible course of action. Regardless of whether it is conscious or unconscious — success or failure is a choice. We must be willing to see everything the way it is. Loathing over the imperfection and inconvenience in your life inflicted by this crisis — you gain nothing. What’s in the way is the way. Accept the current reality — but, be laser focused on the solution and the future. Focusing on the future is much more important than what has happened in the last three weeks.
Unfortunately, our emotions respond more to spectacle — than data. Take this issue, take this setback, take this problem — and, turn it into something good. Don’t let setbacks in life defeat, distract or define you — instead, let it strengthen you. And — if you are a part of a team, that attitude will spread throughout. If you are frustrated, frightened right now, it means you are still alive. And — if you are still breathing, that means you have some fight left in you. So, get up, dust off, reload, re-calibrate — and, re-engage as a professional. Use this time effectively to equip yourself with new — and, updated tools that will help you add value to your relationships with your clients.
In times like these — sometimes it’s as much about people hearing your voice and less so about the message itself. In the immortal words of Star Trek physician Dr. McCoy, "It's life, Jim, but not as we know it." With this philosophical backdrop in mind, we are always going through change, but sometimes the pace is quickened by an event. Our equilibrium was abruptly "punctuated" by COVID-19. However, our commitment to our respective profession cannot and shall not diminish or perish. Rather, our commitment to the craft will push us, and evolve us to another more efficient and higher equilibrium, resulting in a much stronger, agile — and, skilled professionals.