Rethinking Business Communications Blog

You can admit it and you won’t be judged.

You can acknowledge it and most people will agree with you.

2020 has been tough – to put it mildly.

First, there was the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic that swept across the globe from late January, leaving alarming numbers of casualties in its wake. In the months that followed, job losses, economic shutdowns, lockdowns (with attendant mental health challenges such as depression) became rife. Chances were that you or someone you knew or loved, suffered in some way, physically, emotionally or financially.

Yet, some businesses rose to the uncertainty and ‘pivoted’. They adapted by expanding their services or changing their focus. Case in point: high-end perfumeries switching to the manufacture of hand sanitizers to help combat the COVID-19 scourge.

Next, in May, there was the public outcry against police brutality levelled against African-Americans in the US, which re-ignited the #BlackLivesMatter crusade. The movement sparked massive protests in the US and Europe as people demanded accountability from trigger-happy police officers. The cry for justice for the victims of police brutality and heavy-handedness was loud and clear –  with Breonna Taylor and George Floyd being on the 2020 list of the unjustly slain in a long line of casualties in recent times.

Then just a few months later, in October, across the Atlantic, Nigerians grieved the loss of peaceful, young protesters during the #EndSARS protests in Lagos. Young, unarmed Nigerians were reportedly gunned down while exercising their rights to peaceful demonstrations against brutality, victimisation and harassment by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) – a section of the Nigerian police force.

In between the #BlackLivesMatter movement and the #EndSARS protests, I suffered a loss. My father, an intelligent, generous, God-fearing icon passed away suddenly. It was unexpected, shocking and surreal. Within two weeks, he was buried – during the pandemic and in a ceremony that respected social distancing and other health protocols. The restricted movement and grounded airlines meant that four of my siblings, based in the UK, US and elsewhere couldn’t attend the funeral and had to participate virtually.

Finally, during the 2020 Christmas festivities, the demise of my father was particularly difficult. For almost a decade, my family and I had gathered at my parents’ residence for sumptuous meals for Christmas, New Year, and Easter celebrations. I always considered my father’s ritual of prayers, laughter, sharing stories and spending time with my family the best gift of all.  So his absence struck a painful chord during the Christmas season. I probably won’t ‘get over’ losing my father, but penning an article about the communication lessons I learnt from him has helped me honour him in writing.

Loss has been the operative word for 2020. And I’ve heard of friends, acquaintances, and colleagues losing parents, siblings, and spouses.

Yes, 2020 has been an awful year for many.

But here’s the thing:

As long as you’re still breathing, there’s hope. And although that sounds trite, it’s the truth.

So, here’re three simple, but profound lessons I’ve learned from 2020.

Lesson #1: Good health trumps everything else

The COVID-19 virus didn’t discriminate and it levelled the playing field.

It attacked third-world countries and rich nations. Affluent people caught the virus and died, as did those barely making ends meet. And even though the aged (70+) were initially vulnerable to the virus, in the latter half of 2020, young people and children became victims as well.

The virus preyed on the weak and the strong.

You can only live to fight another day or to pursue your dreams if you’re alive and well.

Good physical and mental health trumps every adversity. So if you feel despondent, or think you’ve not achieved your goals, or are worried about what 2021 might unfold when you’re barely surviving – believe this:

As long as you have breath in your lungs, and your cognitive capabilities are intact, you would survive whatever life throws at you.

Lesson #2: Relationships continue to matter

In 2020, we were plunged into isolation, social distancing, and lockdowns. Many of us were required to work online, and countless in-person business and social events were cancelled.

We were reminded of our basic human need for social interaction. Even as an introvert, I sometimes craved social activities. Now, we might not have appreciated the science behind why we live longer. Hint: ‘Social integration’ is reportedly the greatest predictor of longevity, as explained in the insightful TED video below.

Nevertheless, we all came to cherish those Zoom calls with family members and friends during lockdowns.

Relationships would have helped you weather the storms of the year. And they’d continue to get you through those dark, depressing moments.

So, if you regularly interact with people, and if you have others who wholeheartedly support you and give you hope, count yourself lucky. As the research explains, you’re also likely to live longer because of them.

Lesson #3: Personal development is critical to your professional journey

Some people lost their jobs or became furloughed.

Many small businesses went bankrupt.

Mid-sized companies and big corporations laid off staff, slashed existing salaries, suspended projects to reduce costs, or revised their services to remain resilient.

Therefore, to become relevant in the new norm of remote working and flexible careers, 2020 obliged us to upskill and reskill. From free courses, seminars and webinars, to online coaching, if you didn’t tweak your skills, learn something new, or read books/resources to gain additional knowledge in your field, you’re in danger of becoming unemployable in 2021. Moreover, critical thinking, collaboration and effective communication skills will become non-negotiable attributes in your professional skill set – whether as a professional, business owner or entrepreneur.

So hop on the personal development bandwagon now and position yourself for opportunities in 2021, because, as terrible as 2020 has been, it too would pass.

Conclusion

While scrolling through my LinkedIn feed the other day, I came across a witty post. The author wryly stated that surviving 2020 was an achievement in itself. Therefore, you’re advised not to think less of yourself for not recording ‘big’ wins such as publishing a book, making five figures or winning awards.

I agree.

As you read this post, I encourage you to take a moment to consider the blessings in your life. Be grateful that you’d get more time to spend with your family, friends and all who matter.

So take a break, get refreshed, and return in 2021, energised. Then use the lessons you learned in 2020 to accelerate your career or boost your business.

Over to you:

Do you need help in boosting your communication skills to enhance your results? Sign up here for my free quarterly newsletters and learn best practices. When you sign up, you’ll receive my evergreen resource on giving persuasive presentations. Ensure you download that document and refer to it before any high-stakes presentation or speech.

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N.B: First image is courtesy of Sarajulhaq786, via Pixabay. Second image is courtesy ofWokandapix, via Pixabay. Third image is courtesy of Gerd Altmann, via Pixabay. Last image is courtesy of Sira Anamwong, via freedigitalphotos.net.