Tributum Newsletter #14

Hello

From newsletter #13 there was not a lot of response on your favourite business movies of all time, but some suggestions received include Wall Street, The Wolf of Wall Street (not to be watched with your kids…) and Margin Call.

The lockdown is top of mind and so many people have expressed opinions on the negative economic impact , what Government is not doing or not doing right, and that the economy should take precedent. While lifting lockdown completely may open the economy, there would still be an economic cost if the number of cases and deaths rise – absenteeism, closure or partial closure of infected businesses, death of business owners and primary caregivers, drain on insurance companies for retirement and policy payouts on death etc.

Regardless of what is done or not done there will be social and economic impacts. The two are linked, its a socio-economic problem, and I for one am glad that I do not need to make the decisions facing our Government and others around the world. There is no single right or wrong decision and our opinions on that depends very much on our circumstances I think.

That being said there are many friends and family who are staring serious economic pressure, if not complete ruin, in the face. They include not only salary earners, but also those responsible for paying salaries. How can you make a difference if you still have the economic means, even if just with that petrol money you saved from not driving?

Pay your domestic and garden workers despite them not being able to work. Pay school fees. Teachers worked hard to keep students informed during  and up to date and many of them are paid by the school, not the department. Pay your creche, day care fees and club fees even though your child cannot attend, or go to dance class or gymnastics. You still want them to be there when things go back to “normal” right? Help them stay alive until then.

A little goes a long way. Do the right thing. Be grateful for what you have, even if its just your health. Remember, the person that is healthy can have many dreams but the person who is not has but one dream…

For those of you having to work from home for a prolonged period for the first time – get used to the new normal. There are many things you can do to make it easier, but none so much as having the right ATTITUDE.

The TV or fridge is not stopping you from work – it’s a lack of discipline. Get your attitude right. Adapt. If you own a business or are a manager, stop being a boss by constantly monitoring input. You cannot manage input remotely so stop trying – it wastes time and creates stress for everyone. Manage outputs. Is the work done, are the clients happy? Adapt. If you cannot “do” online meetings, then learn. Get your staff used to it, get your clients used to it. It will be the new normal. Adapt.

If your administrative staff were not able to work from home because they do not have laptops, internet or cloud system access and online meeting platforms then maybe it is time to join the 21^st century . It may cost a bit if you pay for their connectivity, but you get to stay in business. Adapt.

Darwin never said its the strongest specie that survives, he said it is the one most willing to adapt. So, adapt quickly or fail fast.  Harsh words, but now is not the time to complain about the level of water in the glass. While the pessimists and optimists argue about the level of the water the opportunists will drink it. Make sure you don’t go thirsty – it will be tough times for all going forward but don’t miss the opportunities that present themselves. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home, until next time.