Hot Topic Friday: July 24

Happy Friday! Here are my July 24 Hot Topics and how they relate to advancing culture or leadership.

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Hot Topic 1: Doing Something About Too Much Alone Time.

Source: KQED.

What It’s About: Every person is trying to navigate the pandemic in their own way. While each situation is unique, there are common groups or personas. One includes singles of any age who are mostly by themselves day in and out. This article notes: "’Humans are wired to come together physically,’ says psychologist Judith Moskowitz of Northwestern University. But, loneliness has become widespread in modern life. And, social distancing has just exacerbated the problem…”

So What?: Let’s face the idea that the pandemic is going to be around for longer than we’d like, and social distancing will remain in place for months to come. Until most have immunity, or there's a vaccine, limits on big gatherings will likely continue. For those who live alone, the isolation can be very oppressive. Demonstrating resilience, creativity and hope, this article points out that people are finding new ways to interact with each other, even under extraordinary circumstances. Here are some strategies to connect as suggested in this very timely piece.

Now What?:

“1. Don't scroll, but do connect online, with real-time activities...Take an online class with others. FaceTime/zoom/Whereby or whatever… Don’t just text or scroll, really connect.

2. Making art is a social act...Express yourself and share! For example, The UnLonely Project has created a community through its Stuck At Home Together initiative. You can watch a short film, then participate in an online conversation. You can view others' art or share your own. And for motivation to get started, the group has designed creative challenges, like crafting a self-portrait from objects around the house.

3. Reach out to the elderly… For many elderly people, social distancing has brought layers of challenges. ‘It's not just the lack of contact with others,’ says physician Kelli Tice Wells who is a senior medical director at health insurer Florida Blue. It's also ‘not being able to navigate things that can be critical to your life’ such as on-line grocery shopping or getting prescriptions.’

4. Become a citizen-scholar, an online tutor, or assistant to the visually impaired: Find your way to volunteer, virtually...VolunteerMatch, a database of volunteer opportunities has a searchable site for virtual volunteering, with thousands of postings around the country, calling for all kinds of skills from tutoring kids to making face masks. Find more options on Idealist.org.

5. Keep friendships alive, with small acts of kindness… Sometimes, a small gesture can help you reconnect. Even though we can't bake together, think about dropping off some cookies to a friend. Ask your neighbor if you can pick up some grocery items for them on your next trip. Organize a puzzle or game swap.”

I love all the ideas in this article. Social distancing for singles can become a rut of tedious, lonely inducing routines that make it more difficult to get off the couch. Reach out.

One Millennial Response: I mean, other than one daily trip to the gym (where everyone is spaced out, has to wear masks during the entire workout, pre-entry temperature checks, with bundles of disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizers are used), it’s solo-city for this guy. I think a lot of people are missing concerts/live music. One little treat from the lack of artists being able to tour, is they’re getting virtually creative. I’ve really enjoyed these short, but awesome concerts from Granger Smith that he performs live in the evenings a few times per week. I like to get friends to watch at the same time, and live text with them during it. Here’s an example of one below, if you’re a country fan, you might want to do the same.

Hot Topic 2: What About the Parents?

Source: Harvard Business Review.

What It’s About?: Let’s face it, for working parents, juggling the job from home with kids (at every age), has been darn difficult. And some days it not only feels impossible, it frankly is. Often, employers have been understanding and yet too many have not. For those that are self-employed, essential workers, etc., there are additional complications to add to the stress. How have people been coping? HBR asked its readers. The following are just a few of the responses.

So What?: “Start your day with a D3 review: Every day when I look at my to-do list, both work and home, it seems overwhelming. The first thing I do is give it the D3 review. Which of these items can be: 1) Delayed; 2) Delegated to another member of your team (it is not dumping on them, it is an opportunity for them to learn new skills); 3) Doesn’t need to get done! Paring down what ‘has to be done today’ reduces my stress!”

—Lori K., mother of two, U.S.

“Outsource, be honest, and let go of perfection: I am a single mom by choice with a toddler. While the current crisis was beyond my imagination, I did put quite a bit of thought and planning into building a sustainable, enjoyable life for us. Here’s what helps me get through. Outsource what you can afford to outsource. If you have the resources, hire someone to deep clean your home once a month, pay the extra to have groceries and other essentials delivered (and tip really well for the privilege), and budget for childcare. Some of that went out the window with the pandemic, but knowing the limits of what you can accomplish is key. Be honest and upfront with colleagues. I cannot ever join a call during dinner or bedtime. And, I can’t always dial in to an unplanned call outside of my normal hours either. It’s OK to set boundaries. Let go. The house isn’t pristine, the grass needs to get cut, and I order takeout once or twice a week. It’s not perfect but it’s good enough.”

—Victoria T., mother of one, U.S.

Now What?: I have two daughters with young families, and partners who have full time work obligations. It’s friggin’ hard, and stressful as heck for all families. This is an extraordinary time and it calls for extraordinary understanding that has NO ROOM for PERFECTION! And we need to be able to ask for help. No one can do it all by themselves for the long run. A dear friend of mine has a great saying, “ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED AND OFFER WHAT YOU CAN.” And we need to be extraordinarily compassionate with ourselves and others!

One Millennial Response: While not a parent myself, I recently had a work-related Zoom call with a former colleague who now has a newborn, and a 3-year-old. Attempting to be as professional as possible, he’s like “sorry, my wife is looking after the kids, but there’s going to be some noise in the background.” My initial reaction was, “of course there will be. No problem, whatsoever.” How dumb would I be to assume that from a household with a newborn baby, and a toddler, there wouldn’t be a disruption at some point? So frankly, if you’re too dimwitted to do the mental math that kids = noise, priority and unpredictability, then you’re probably too much of a dummy to be leading a team. If you lack that understanding during this time, it’s not the parents’ fault, it’s your’s.

My Weekly Wine Recommendation.

Have a look at our new 2018 Pinot Noir Rubis from Tightrope Winery. [Available in Canada only].

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DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

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And finally! Here’s Cecil’s Bleat of the Week!

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“Our ability to make the most out of uncertainty is what creates the most potential value.” - Ozan Varol

Bye for now!

— Lorne Rubis

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Happy Friday! Here are my July 24 Hot Topics and how they relate to advancing culture or leadership.

Hot Topic 1: Doing Something About Too Much Alone Time.

Source: KQED.

Hot Topic 2: What About the Parents?

Source: Harvard Business Review.

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