A month of getting back to work has shaken my beliefs not just stirred.
I quit smoking 3 years back, nothing great as many individuals achieve this feat. What is interesting is that it changed my lifestyle, my personality, my behavior etc.
The lockdown and unlock have had the same effect on me.
The biggest change is that now I don’t have breakfast at a hotel near my office or on the way to office, I have it at home and leave for work. I don’t stop for tea, coffee at any roadside joint. I carry my lunch and evening snacks from home.
My personality has changed not just the appearance as I have my DIY hairstyle and beard, mask (homemade, clinical, designer, customized) has become a part of my look. I have reduced my weight and waist size as I took to exercise in the lockdown(depends how you utilized the lockdown) and it has taken its toll on my wardrobe.
My behavior has suffered the greatest impact. My smile the biggest weapon I had to mesmerise people ( subordinates, relatives, friends, colleagues ) goes unnoticed in the mask. The smile which made me start the day on a happy note from the reception of my office needs to be imagined as it’s also masked. The energetic and firm hand shake that was my trademark during meetings and client interactions is now cold.
I courteously asked clients coffee/tea and they refused bluntly. Maybe I would have done the same if I was offered one in a client’s office as I do not know if the cup is sanitized or has the ‘Midas Touch’ of Corona. I am also seen as arrogant, rude, straight-forward when I ask a person to stay away or keep safe distance from me when I am having lunch or in the lift or on the stairs. I am not behaving like they perceive it’s just that I am a bit extra careful.
These are just some of the examples which are the top of the iceberg. Lots of changes or do I say transformation has happened below the iceberg on my mindset and beliefs.
I always trained people on behavior and said that you need to shake your beliefs to change your mindset and in turn will change your behaviour and actions. This pandemic has actually done that to many people like me and if not then you are the Alice in Wonderland.
Guest Author : Shaunak Rege
Corporate Trainer and L&D Consultant
