The New Norm… Self-Care

Normally the May Chairman’s Column would be focused on building excitement for our Spring Workshop.  But as you all know, we have had to cancel this year’s event, which is the temporary new norm. I was looking forward to laughing with friends old and now, building new bonds and learning from all the content Benjy Thompson and his team had planned for us.  I would ask that each of you reach out and congratulate Benjy for all the hard work that he and his committee put forth to making the 2020 Spring Workshop a memorable one. 

In thinking of the new norm, it’s an area that we are all familiar with.  We adapt to changes in the industry all the time and this is no different. Last month, I talked about the digital transformation that our communities must adapt to and I hope your communities are working towards it.  I’m so excited to see all of the great programs many of you have put together to support your businesses.  Whether it’s the emergency fund in downtown Milledgeville, or the CreATL fund in Atlanta. Communities across the state are getting creative in bringing about financial resources to help our most vulnerable small businesses.  You all are also being great advocates in educating businesses on the SBA funding resources, Georgia is ranked 6th in the nation in its businesses receiving PPP funds.  Tremendous thanks to the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Department of Community affairs on their leadership in this environment. 

But we know it’s not all great out there. Millions of people across the country are now unemployed when we were just at full employment two months ago.  Revenues have taken a beating from the municipalities all the way up to the Federal government. In the midst of this, some of our businesses are reopening, but to a much different world than they operated in less than 90 days ago.  This is the time where our creative minds come together to discover innovative ways to support our businesses, our communities, and our families.  

My challenge to you is this. Self-Care.  You see Self-Care is an essential tool in your leadership strategy.  Until you craft and focus on the best you, your businesses, communities and families won’t receive the best from you.  I am on this journey now.  I’m participating in webinars, enhancing my skills, improving my health and practicing meditation.  There’s a great book I read this year by Ron Kitchens called Uniquely You. I encourage you to read it.  Also, I look forward to hearing what books you are reading. Please share within our GEDA Slack Channel what books you are reading and let’s all stay connected and supportive of one another.