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In keeping with the theme of this issue of “The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create It,” I am pleased to share examples of our members embracing the challenges caused by the pandemic and moving ahead.  Below are some examples that may be helpful to your practice and firm.

Primerus member, Greenberg Glusker – Los Angeles, California, created a weekly update entitled “In Good Company” which provides positive stories and updates. Given the current virus situation we can all use some positive news.

Words of Advice

Tom Frohlinger – PKF Lawyers (Winnipeg, Canada)

Here are some thoughts that are guiding me, and my leadership, daily right now:

  • It is not business as usual. I need to let go of the idea that things will go back to normal anytime soon and put my primary focus on the current situation, not acting like the current situation is interrupting me. The more senior your leadership, the more this is true for you also.
  • People need to know I am listening. I need to take the time to talk with people one-on-one and hear them out, especially when I see stress or frustration. This shows I care and gives me more perspective with which to make better decisions.
  • I need to make decisions based on facts and best advice. I need to stay abreast of the bigger picture and listen to the most current and relevant information as it applies to my local situation. I need to be careful about advice from uninformed sources and from places where the situation is not the same as I am facing.
  • I need to remember how different people are. Some people are going to react aggressively to the situation, wanting extreme measures immediately; some are going to underreact and want to maintain the status quo. Either could be right at either time but most likely neither is right. Both need to be listened to, but facts need to guide us in the response. Making nobody happy is okay.
  • It is not time for ego. I need to focus on doing the right thing - apologizing for a mistake or misunderstanding, taking a critique, and correcting course - and continuing to do so as the next right thing becomes apparent. It is not time to become trapped inside the leadership bubble where we only see and hear what we want.
  • I need to stay close to my team, communicating and sharing everything I can.
  • I need to make sure decisions are made in a timely fashion.

I feel uncertain about where the next weeks and month will take us, but I have learned over the years that despite uncertain circumstances, there are patterns of thought and actions that work better than others and will see us through. This is a serious situation that demands my attention. I need to listen, be empathetic, stay informed, stay self-aware, and make the best decisions possible and repeat until this is over. And it will be over.

The following members created dedicated COVID-19 Resource pages that would be helpful for clients, individuals and business owners:

I hope you find these examples inspiring and helpful for your firm. Please share your news, how your firm is giving back to your local community, evolving with the changing environment or helpful tips that may benefit a Primerus colleague, with us.