1. Let's replace the word crisis with situation

This COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, and its repercussions, regardless of our status, are an opportunity to pick up the phone to check in with our customers, suppliers, partners and co-workers to find out how they are experiencing the situation. In our conversations with others and with ourselves, let's replace the word crisis, which has a negative connotation, with situation, which has a more neutral or positive connotation.

2. Let’s tame silence

This break time, although involuntary, is a rare opportunity to listen to music more regularly and… to tame the silence, which is so beneficial. Now that we know the instructions to follow to contain the spread, let’s reduce our time reading and listening to the news – often anxiety-provoking – to a minimum.

And when the situation allows, let us take advantage of this period of calm and silence to use our thoughts and creativity to find new ideas, new markets, products and services or to find ways to improve our productivity.

3. Speak encouraging words

“We’ll get through this.” “Let’s keep our spirits up.” “We’ll get through this storm.” Just like the “It’s going to be okay” signs posted in the windows of family homes with children’s rainbow drawings, let’s get into the habit of saying words of encouragement. Rather than falling into self-pity, let’s embrace the principle of perseverance. Let’s stay calm and collected, be positive, and work together toward a common goal: to defeat this pandemic.

Thanks to Sylvain Poirier and his team for their inspiring suggestions.