One word: triage.
In medical settings, of course, triage is a way of prioritizing medical care to those who need it most — as they’re doing right now in New York, converting the Javits Convention Center into an enormous makeshift hospital.
Because of the severe shortage of respirators, face masks, and other PPE supplies, we will be moving into a period of advanced triage: deciding who lives and who dies.
In these trying times, triage is a useful concept for how we all go about our work during this time of intense difficulty and human suffering.
How to Triage Your Daily Work
Every day, as work comes in, put it into three buckets:
Critical: Is it bleeding profusely? This is the “code red” stuff, the patients that have to get treated ASAP.
Moderate: Can it sit in the waiting room for a few hours? This is the “code yellow” stuff that can get handled on evenings or weekends. (You are working weekends, aren’t you?)
Low: Can it be sent home with Tylenol and a Band-Aid? This is the unimportant stuff. Throw it out.
This time is a great “stress test” of every element of human life, from our emotions to our financial system to our working style. The Triage Test can be a great way to #StayFocused and keep #BusinessAsUsual.
A Helpful Diagram
Image courtesy TheCounselingTeacher.com
5 Business Best Practices During the Coronacrisis:
> Try to #StayFocused despite the bad news. Set small, achievable daily goals.
> Remember four important words: “This too shall pass.”
> Set a #NewNormal for your business meetings. Take time to talk as humans, not just as mindless workers.
> Get some daily #Sunshine. Sunshine is a disinfectant for the body and the spirit.
> Spend 10% of your time helping others.