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I just came back from Michigan last week after dropping my son off at college. My goal, when I came home last week, was to catch up on some work and begin cleaning out a few items around the house now that I have officially reached“empty nest” status. I felt like I had a good strategy which is the topic we’re discussing this month. Then life happened.
I would imagine that most if not everyone reading this is familiar with the fires that raged throughout the Los Angeles area. Thank you to all our clients, partners, vendors, and associates who reached out to check in on us. We did evacuate everything from our office as it is located in a warning zone, but we are all safe, as are our families. However, we are absolutely heartbroken after hearing and watching the number of individuals whom we know firsthand who have lost their homes and neighborhoods. Our community has changed. My initial strategy to focus on work quickly pivoted to people and preservation. But, that’s what strategy is supposed to do. It should address the immediate need based on the big-picture goal. For us, people are at the center of both.
Our tagline is The People Side of Business. It is the people aspect of this disaster that has been both heartbreaking and inspiring. Watching the trauma and devastation will forever be etched into our memories. However, the empathy and selflessness displayed will also be remembered and cherished. You realize regardless of the company, the project, or even the catastrophe, it really is about the people.
I’ve been asked numerous times, “What can I do to help?” In addition to donating to those people and organizations in need, reach out to those you know. Remind them that there are others thinking about them. A brief text, a short message, or even an emoji to express your concern and support can go a long, long way. It doesn’t replace what was lost, but it helps remind people they’re not alone. In addition, be patient and empathetic. Priorities have shifted overnight for many Los Angelenos, and work or projects have probably moved down the priority list at the moment. Focusing on people and their well-being should be the strategy. It’s our firm’s mantra; it’s a fact of life; it’s an absolute truth. It’s all about the PEOPLE.
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