Training Programs in the Age of Covid

You'll find your mask in the pocket of your notebook

The last in-person session for our “flagship” leadership program was in February of 2020. Our next one is tomorrow.

All of our facilitators are fully-vaxxed, and all of the participants in the in-person classes we teach will be, as well. People who can’t or won’t get vaxxed (and people who are unable or unwilling to travel to our training venues) are welcomed into one of our online classes.

(Speaking of, if you read top line of this post and went—”Oh, crap! I wanted to sign Bob up for that class! Did I miss it?” We still have a few “seats” available in one of our online classes at: https://thejenningsgroup.com/remote-leadership-class).

I’ve been noticing the differences from before-Covid travel even before I start. Acela sent me a health screening yesterday. I have an assigned seat in business class. They require masks at all times onboard. The hotel in New York City requires proof of vaccination. I packed extra Purell and a small container of disinfectant wipes for the train-tray. I feel relatively safe, and also mildly inconvenienced. I think that might be the “sweet spot” for life in this pandemic.

As leaders, we need to set the tone for living “in these difficult times.” We need to acknowledge reality, but frame it as something we can get through together. We can recognize the challenges, but not by complaining about them. Focus on the fix. Share your vision for how we are going to work the problems. Give your people the courage and the motivation to do what needs to be done. Listen to their concerns, and find ways to help them overcome the fears and hesitancies that might drain their energies.

And give yourself what YOU need to overcome those fears and hesitancies. My extra Purell and container of disinfectant wipes don’t take up much space, and they are what I need in order to have the courage to take on the world.

(Photo by Justin Taylor on Unsplash)