We love things in black and white even though there is tremendous amount of greyness in our lives. Part of being human is to wake up every day and attempt to convert the grey into black or white. Therefore, as a process we love to label things – feelings, behaviours, personalities and even our future or as it is popularly known these days – ‘The New Normal’.
Some are preparing for the new normal, some believe they are prepared for it; but how do we know what is normal and what is not? What are the standards of the new normal? Does new normal have a template?
In my recent interaction with a group of professionals, I derived some interesting perspective on some of the most common parameters which shaped up our idea of the ‘new normal’. We began with a simple question – ‘what it was’ and ‘what it is today’.
Here are some of the interesting talking points that I gathered:
- Self – Development has multiple horizons today for an individual
Focus on self- development has gained maximum importance. Most professionals feel this is where the last 3 months have been most beneficial despite the multitude of changes. It has been the source of motivation for many to challenge and cross their own threshold
- The concept of work life balance have been re-defined
Work-life balance has deteriorated for a very large section of people. Change in the nature of work and shift in lifestyle has resulted in a massive chaos for our daily activities but the good news is that we are fine tuning our adjustment levels with the redefined concept.
- Client or stakeholders engagement stands strong on three pillars
Although the mode of engagement has been different but client and stakeholders relations hasn’t suffered completely. For the group, it was primarily because of their strong emphasis on these three pillars – empathy, accessibility and proactive attitude.
- Team Dynamics have been stronger than ever
Team dynamics have remained intact for most. One of the reasons for businesses to be able to stand the test of time. Against all odds, in fact, some even mentioned that team dynamics have improved.
There are things that have worked in our favour and things which have not. A great reflection point for me has been those areas that indicate a positive movement or have the potential to be a positive indicator in future. But while we are trying to fine tune a lot of things around us, are we still using the reality which was true for us three months back or are we re-creating new benchmark for us based on the ‘new reality’ we are all in. Yes, that is the word I prefer to use ‘new reality’
What does your new reality look like? Are you ready to challenge it or prefer to use the old template for shaping the new?
Author: Sumitra Paul Chatterjee
Associate Director
I Train Consultants India Pvt. Ltd.
