March has always been about madness. Watching college basketball teams from Kentucky, Georgetown or North Carolina play in the annual “March Madness” tournament is a rite of spring. I don’t follow basketball, except in March. Not in 2020. The madness this March is a pandemic named COVID-19.
Like the pandemic itself, the sense of urgency and alarm has been contagious.
Phrases like “self-quarantine” and “flatten the curve” are now hashtags and rallying cries for action. Uncertainty is the word of the week. Stock markets don’t like uncertainty, which is what led to panic selling. Companies lost billions off their bottom line in days.
Professional sports leagues suspended or shutdown their seasons. Sports broadcasters were forced to become health commentators. Coaches stumbled through their reactions to the rug being pulled out from under their championship quests. Service industry workers supporting professional sports were suddenly unemployed.
Schools, churches, parks, restaurants that closed in March are now re-opening. Through it all the provincial government has issued guidelines for the health and safety of Albertans.
Crisis Leadership COVID-19
Few officials are performing better at tempering panic levels than Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Health Officer for Alberta. She is the silver lining in the dark cloud of this crisis. Through her daily news conferences, thousands of Albertans have come to see Hinshaw as a source of reassurance. Her calm is contagious. I trust her leadership.
The basics of crisis leadership are simple: Tell the truth. Give people what they need without lecturing. Don’t duck questions. Be clear. Personal warmth is a bonus. Dr. Hinshaw is the epitome of a competent spokesperson. She explains not just what’s being done, but why the measures are necessary, now and for the future.
Dr Deena Hinshaw
“I want to be clear that a lot of the measures we’re recommending are measures that it’s important Albertans think about and are prepared to take. Although the risk of exposure at this time is low, I think it would be advisable for people to start thinking about, if they’re out in public, people who are obviously ill. Staying two metres away is a really good idea. Things like hand-washing; if somebody does cough or sneeze making sure that they’re covering that cough or sneeze; most importantly staying home when sick is the critical advice I would give to Albertans.”
Dr. Hinshaw cautions us not to turn to “misinformation.” That’s why she supplies so much detail – so people won’t go looking for it somewhere less reliable.
We’re going to get through this crisis and it will be people like Dr. Hinshaw that show the way.
APPLICATION: How has COVID-19 affected you? What are you doing to stay calm and protected in this crisis? Do you have a story to share about COVID-19? Please leave a comment below.
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The virus has affected me since my fiance and I are set to have our wedding next week. We may have to cancel the gathering. I have remained calm by leaning into words of wisdom from family, listening to uplifting music and listening to the voice of truth.
Those are great choices, Calvin. I know it must be unsettling to have carefully made plans upset. Good that you have family and friends around you to offer support, empathy and wisdom. I will be watching to see how March 21st unfolds for you and Samantha. God bless.