Summary

The article discusses the rise of great leaders in the business world during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the actions of various companies and the potential long-term impacts on corporate citizenship and customer perception.

Abstract

The global business community is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with actions that reveal the character of their leadership. Companies like Facebook, Apple, Google, Ford, Rolls-Royce, General Motors, Dyson, and Microsoft are contributing to relief efforts through financial support, development of contact-tracing technology, manufacturing of medical equipment, and sharing of critical information. While these initiatives may be driven by genuine altruism, corporate strategy, or a mix of both, they are indicative of a shift in the role of businesses in society. The article suggests that the pandemic is not only a test of resilience but also an opportunity for companies to redefine their purpose and align with the values of future customers, particularly Millennials who are skeptical of traditional capitalism. The long-term success of businesses may hinge on how they conduct themselves during this crisis, as their actions are being closely watched by the public.

Opinions

The pandemic is seen as a catalyst for revealing true leadership qualities, with some leaders stepping up to provide support and solutions.
There is a suggestion that the current corporate response could be a strategic move to dominate new markets or improve public relations.
The article implies that the pandemic may lead to a fundamental shift in corporate citizenship, with businesses taking on a more active role in societal issues.
The actions of companies during the pandemic are believed to influence their future success, especially with Millennials who may not support traditional capitalist ventures.
Some leaders, particularly among Gen X, are considered to be well-equipped to handle the challenges posed by the pandemic.
There is an acknowledgment that predictions about the post-pandemic business landscape are uncertain, and only time will reveal the true impact of current corporate actions.

BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP

The Era of Pandemic Panic Will Unveil Great Leaders

The big business question in a new world

Businesses around the world are stepping up to provide COVID-19 pandemic support. Great leaders will emerge during this time. Those who will stare down the wave in defiance.

“Covid-19 may be our final, last-gasp revolt” — Douglas Rushkoff

Take Facebook. The social media goliath has earmarked $20 million for coronavirus relief. Some might consider this pocket change for Zuckerberg, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Apple and Google are collaborating to develop a ‘contact-tracing’ app to notify users when they’re in contact with someone who is infected by COVID-19.

The motor industry is pitching in too. Ford, Rolls-Royce, and General Motors are manufacturing ventilators.

Dyson is making ventilators in the UK.

O’Neills in Ireland has temporarily switched from GAA (Irish Sports) apparel to produce face-masks for the health service.

“Every little thing counts in a crisis.” — Jawaharlal Nehru

Microsoft donated millions worth of products and services to staff on the frontline. Their founder, Bill Gates, announced another $100m through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The world’s top pharma, biotech, and medical device companies are working together to discover a vaccine or treatment for coronavirus.

IBM’s weather app is monitoring regions, sharing updates on where and how the virus is spreading.

So what’s driving all this?

Motivation

Is this just a short-term crisis response, or a fundamental shift in corporate citizenship — the role of business in society?

It could be a land grab. A move to dominate a new market, or at the very least to carve out a slice of the pie early on in the game.

Then again it may be a strategic PR ploy, masking a much bigger corporate ambition down the line.

A crisis doesn’t make you, a crisis reveals your character.

Regardless of the motivation, social or otherwise, there’s a seismic shift underway. Further magnified by Millenials, future customers, who don’t buy into capitalism.

Future Business

Business leaders are by definition problem solvers because businesses need to deliver results to survive. They have to be because according to Robert, the “Pandemic Has Only Just Begun.”

Solving a problem is one thing. Opportunism, on the other hand, may be viewed as greed by some. The truth probably lies in the necessity, after all, who’s buying a new car or vacuum cleaner this month? Very few.

Customers of the future are watching you today.

This is extremely important. Customers that is. Now more than ever. As I said, Millenials, customers of the future, don’t like capitalism. Great leaders will be aware of this and behave accordingly to secure their future.

Or will they? Are they equipped? Will certainly feels some are:

“Gen X Was Born for This Shit” — Will Leitch

Rob Walker disagrees, claiming that “Most Post-Pandemic Predictions Will Be Totally Wrong”.

Only time will tell.

That said, how your business behaves today will have some impact on your success tomorrow.

These are the moments that define your leadership — It’s your move!

The Difference Between Toxic Micromanagers and Leaders

What does the micromanager test say about you?

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