Back in March, leaders described the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic as unprecedented. That was an accurate description at the time. It’s now midsummer. Can we all agree it’s time to retire the word unprecedented?

Massive job losses reported in April were unprecedented. Four months later they are part of a predictable pattern.

Widespread denial, fear, uncertainty and anger in March was unprecedented. Four months later, it’s time to deal with the unproductive emotions that hold us back.

Observing new safety protocols for everyday activities was unprecedented. By now they should be well-worn habits.

But they aren’t. Covid cases are spiking around the U.S. Why? There are many underlying causes. Our use of the word unprecedented is among them.

Unprecedented, by definition, means we’re lacking precedent. Today we have several months of precedent to inform our actions. Continuing to refer to these times as unprecedented is an excuse and abdication of accountability. As leaders, we have access to information and precedent to inform our decisions that we didn’t have months ago.

If you aren’t spending your time in quarantine with little people, you may have missed a great learning occasion in Disney’s movie “Frozen 2” where Kristen Bell, as Anna, provides powerful guidance to us all that in times of grief and loss, do the next right thing.

Check out these Tero resources to inform your leadership:

Check out these Tero resources to inform your leadership:

1. What the first video in Tero’s new Tero Talks video series on Leading Change.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOMC6_HuA-0&feature=em-uploademail
2. Watch the 2-minute Tero Tips video on Virtual Teams and Building Trust. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_mqeq8ICfY
3. Watch the 3½-minute Tero Tips video on Fight, Flight and Freeze modes during times of workplace stress. 
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTWjmRfh1Q&t=14s

Choose to join the leaders who are making a commitment to accountability and right action.

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Rowena Crosbie View Bio