Leadership Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
As a blog dedicated to leadership, we feel it necessary to confront the Coronavirus pandemic. We’ll provide links to resources with useful information and perspectives. We’ll also reiterate advice from a noted pathologist on what steps we as individuals can take— aside from the necessary social distancing—to lessen risk of infection.
We’re grateful for experts who provide guidance in this moment of uncertainty and fear. Unlike the tweeting narcissist-in-chief, real leaders such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been speaking with candor about the failings of our health care system and what’s needed to truly address this crisis.
Dr. Anthony Fauci
The lack of availability of diagnostic kits for the coronovirus points to a blinkered presidential administration incapable of putting the national interest above political posturing and payback. How can it be possible that a mere 11,000 people have been tested overall in the United States, when over 10,000 a day are tested in South Korea? What derelict idiot in high places made the call to not accept the World Health Organization test, which was shipped to 60 other countries at the end of February? What, other than a ridiculous, short-sighted drive to tear down the achievements of the Obama administration, could be behind the elimination of a pandemic response coordination position on the National Security Council in 2018?
A friend and business associate of ours from New Rochelle has a son in California who has quarantined himself after social contact with a friend who had been in touch with a man recently diagnosed with the virus. Thank goodness they are asymptomatic so far, yet they are struggling to get a test.
A very long article published on Medium directed to politicians, community leaders and business leaders, “Coronovirus: Why You Must Act Now” may seem alarmist, but the threat is real. Check it out for stats and scientific data.
The leadership of mayors and governors across the nation, for instance Bill de Blasio and Andrew Cuomo in New York, limiting how many people can gather in public spaces, as well as leadership of major sports, entertainment, and cultural institutions acting quickly yesterday to shut down public events, was wise. Earlier this week, the leadership of the college at which I teach a History of American Jazz course chose to transition to a remote teaching plan before any cases of infection appeared on campus.
That’s another example of smart leadership.
For leaders reading this blog on the morning of Friday, March 13th, we recommend checking out a webinar by the NeuroLeadership Institute today at 12 noon EST, “Coronovirus: What Science Says Leaders Should Do.
Dr. David Rock, director of the NeuroLeadership Institute
Finally, here’s some precautionary advice from a noted pathologist and coronavirus researcher Dr. James Robb:
1) NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
2) Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc.. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.
3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.
4) Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts.
5) Wash your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.
6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home’s entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can’t immediately wash your hands.
7) If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more.
Let’s use this challenge to rise to the occasion of smart leadership and to develop the habits of hygiene and healthy living that will ultimately make our individual, cultural and social immune system much stronger. Rather than panic, let’s take wise action.
UPDATE: On the afternoon of Friday, March 13th, the current holder of the office of President of the United States declared a state of national emergency. The administration and House Democrats also came to an agreement on measures to provide free virus testing and paid sick leave. Both are important steps in the right direction, when speed of wise action can save many lives.