What Can We Compare This To?
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In times of uncertainty, we want to look for comparisons. Situations that are analogous to what we’re going through so that we can identify trends or find indicators - some sort of sign(s) - that allow us to better predict what’s going to happen. It’s a natural thing to do. We want comfort. We want certainty. We want to see a way out.
But, of course, that’s not how things work.
For every comparison to previous pandemics, there are several others that can point to how this one is different.
For every discussion about economic trends from the Great Recession or the Great Depression, there are countless indicators that none of those trends would hold today. Both for the better and for the worse.
So, what can we compare this to then?
The simple answer is, that we can’t.
Not directly, anyway - not to the point where we can gain any level of material certainty over proceedings. No certainty, no timeline, no definitive answers.
And the thing is, that’s actually no different than any other time - even “normal” circumstances. We never have definitive answers. We never know the exact path forward. There are no formulas. We just have less perceived risk.
So what can we do? Well, we do the only thing we can ever do: we focus on the fundamentals.
We do our work. We do what’s in front of us. We make best guesses. Of course, we incorporate variables, we forecast to whatever extent we can. But we also know that we won’t know it all, and so we plan as best as possible and execute.
We do our work.
Of more importance, though - more important than ever at this time - we need to hold to our core principles, to the right values. We need to listen to our moral compass, to stand by our fellow partners and colleagues, our people. We need to do what’s right.
I think if we hold true to those core principles, then we’ll come through this, together, in the best shape we possibly can.
We need to remember that we’re in this together. That is the certainty we should strive for.
