2020 - The LOST Year

It has probably been the most significant year in terms of worldwide disruption since World War II. From pandemic to politics, to sacrifice and successes, 2020 has been a LOST year.

2020 is a year where Leadership Purpose has been amplified and exemplified. It has been a year about Ordinary People doing Extraordinary Things. In 2020, we have seen the Steadfast Spirit of mankind and the Thrusting Forward of things to come. 

Leadership Purpose

2020 has shone the spotlight on purpose – more specifically, on leadership purpose. From nations to corporations and individuals, leadership purpose has been tried and tested. What is left is the essence or purity of that purpose. You can’t fake it. You either have a strong purpose that is grounded on conviction, or a wishful desire masked in a fluffy statement. 2020 has exposed whether one has what it takes to marshall and align resources intentionally, or scrambles to make ends meet. Leadership purpose has separated the wise person who built a house on solid ground versus the foolish person that built a house on quicksand.

Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things

2020 has brought the best (and worst) out of us. For the majority of us (ordinary people), we have seen and heard stories of 2020 being an unprecedented year. In a short period of time, we will (very likely) be seeing a vaccine go into production and being used widely. 

2020 brought forward what was to come. It was the ‘fast forward’ button on the remote control.

Having been in the pharmaceutical industry, I am aware of the concerns. Nevertheless, credit must be given to all who worked tirelessly to surface such a possibility. From piloting a plane to starting a food stall, 2020 has been a teacher that we will never forget.

Steadfast Spirit

The unwavering spirit of mankind enabled us to weather through the storm of 2020. Many have been looking/are looking for the silver lining in the clouds. At the same time, the hard reality is that many are still struggling to make the first step. 

Regardless, the spirit of resilience has carried us through till now, and I pray it will remain with us as we journey into tomorrow. As long as there is breath, we must not lose hope. We must keep believing for a better future.

Thrusting Forward

2020 brought forward what was to come. It was the ‘fast forward’ button on the remote control. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, Industrial Revolution 4.0 – all these and much more have accelerated change that brought the future into the present. Many of us were not prepared. We are still looking for that ‘pause’ button, but we haven’t found it yet. 

Many of us were not prepared. We are still looking for that ‘pause’ button, but we haven’t found it yet. 

As a person of faith, I am reminded of the nativity scene surrounding the birth of Jesus. It was less than ideal (to put it mildly). Yet, a miracle took place in the most unthinkable manner. As a result of that miracle, we (yes, you included!) now have hope for today and beyond. This hope is not circumstantial or dependent on my (our) own efforts. Rather, this hope is founded deep in the trust and assurance that the Christmas message brings.

With this hope, how then can we (people and organisations) respond as we step into 2021? I see three possible responses - resist the change (stop or slow it down), ride the wave of change, or rev up the change even more. 

Resist the change

Contrary to popular opinion, change is not always good. People and organisations must carefully evaluate the impact of change. Change that erodes profitability margins, organisational trust and stakeholder commitment should be examined in microscopic detail.

While diminishing the negative impact of 2020 is critical, people and organisations must continuously be thinking of the future beholds. Short of looking into a crystal ball, the questions that beg answers remain – what will the future look like, what will change and what will (or should) remain. 

Ride the wave of change

Like the surfer who waits in anticipation for the next wave, people and organisations must posture themselves and ‘get on board’. There is much to ride on the wave of creativity and innovation. Already, the momentum of change has produced far more than we could have imagined. To ride the momentum of change effectively, people and organisations must have a renewed vision for the future. Our thinking must be transformed before we can act differently and lead intentionally. 

2020 has changed the way we live our lives. We celebrate the past, and take encouragement from the great exploits. But let us not dwell in the past. It’s time to ride the wave!

Rev up the change even more

There is a third option. Dictating play rather than being dictated. Revving up and accelerating change can empower people and organisations to shape the situation as they see fit. From supply chains to consumer behaviour, the opportunities to influence change are in abundance. We have seen the rise of e-commerce and the demise of rigid methods of yesteryears. Jobs have been reimagined and repurposed for an evolving future

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Contextualisation of change is key to enabling people and organisations to successfully rev up. Don’t change for the sake of changing. Don’t just bounce back to normal. Instead, bounce back stronger!

The end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021

There is a third option. Dictating play rather than being dictated.

The decision to resist, ride, or rev up change is determined by purpose. The clarity of purpose allows for creativity in strategy. The clearer you are about your purpose, the more options you can explore with your strategy. 2020 has been a LOST year that presented the opportunity to shape a purposeful future. I hope we will do just that. 

Blessed Christmas and a Purposeful New Year!