This week, I’d like to address the elephant in the room and talk a bit about the Coronavirus crisis, and how crises Reveal people’s true Character.

I think it’s important to not just go about our business as usual as if nothing was going on.

But it’s a delicate matter and it can be difficult to find the right words.

The current situation

This week, several countries including Switzerland announced a complete lockdown, closing their schools, borders, stores, restaurants etc.

Over 150 countries are currently affected.

Switzerland is not in confinement yet but in other countries like France people are not allowed to leave their homes unless they have a really good reason.

This means, this is not life as usual and it’s also not business as usual.

For me, how we handle the situation is an ethical issue above all.
It’s not okay when people don’t care about spreading the virus.

Crises reveal your true character

“A person’s true character is revealed by what he does when no one is watching” – Sigmund Miller quote

People who are rather selfish will behave more selfishly.
People who are caring will be more caring.

Of course, it’s harder to see when you’re feeling well.
You are less aware that you may be contaminating other people simply by going outside as usual.

You don’t tend to worry much about spreading the virus if you’re doing great. Even more so if the “seniors” you love are nowhere near you.

So far, I don’t know anyone who has been sick and I didn’t see any sick people anywhere either (like on the bus or at the store).

So when the government or health officials say that you need to spend 15 minutes at a close distance with someone who’s infected to get contaminated, it may seem like you’re in the clear.

You could believe that there is no risk.

But this is not true. You can be infected and contagious for a long time without knowing it. And so you’re spreading it.

So, if people feel great and want to enjoy a day in the park it’s actually not okay. What seems innocent enough can actually make (other) people sick.

This is why I think that everyone (in impacted zones) should stay at home as much as possible so that the spread can slow down.

It’s not paranoia or panic. It’s a simple precaution to contribute to ending this crisis as quickly as possible.

Of course this is easier if you live a more privileged life. I’m fortunate that I have a beautiful home, with a great view, a huge balcony, and pretty garden.

Of course, it’s much harder to stay home when you don’t have enough room, no outside space, tiny windows… and maybe even a bad family situation.

Still, if everyone does their best to be mindful, this pandemic will be over sooner.

“Every contribution counts. Everyone can make a difference. Just start with yourself” – Unknown

How people behave…

It’s sad that some people are being selfish but that’s what happens when there is a crisis. It reveals or amplifies people’s true character.

“A person’s true character is often revealed in time of crisis or temptation. Make sure that you have what it takes to be your best in such times.” – Dr Paul TP Wong

And so there’s no toilet paper at the stores because apparently some people make a business out of it.

Just as some companies keep working although they are not keeping up with any precautionary measures, thus putting their people at risk.

…So much for being socially responsible.

As you may know, I’m a B2B marketer in the industrial sector.
And I’m lucky that I can work from home for the time being.
I don’t want to have anyone on my conscience.

Obviously, there are a lot of businesses that communicate about the Coronavirus situation now.

Most posts are great but some are simply shameless. This crisis clearly reveals their true character.

There are always people that try to profit from the situation.

Again, I think it’s a delicate matter and you don’t want to come off as uncaring and greedy.

At the same time, you need to reassure your clients that they can still count on you.

So it’s important to say something, but it’s also crucial to find the right balance between being reassuring, caring, and not too promotional.

It’s a fine line.

You might be surprised by your true character

Yes, you might be surprised by how you truly think and feel inside. As long as everything is just hypothetical, we tend to overestimate our good qualities.

How gracious, selfless, caring, or courageous do you think you’d be when it counts?

At the same time, we probably also underestimate our natural instincts. It’s almost like your fight or flight response.

Can you correctly guess which of the two would be your reaction?

I’m pretty sure you’ve been in a situation where you didn’t react at all like you pictured it in your mind, good or bad.

This doesn’t mean that people behave differently on purpose or that they are pretending during the rest of time.

It’s natural that you can’t truly know how you will react as long as nothing is at stake.
We all adapt and live more or less according to the social norms.

“True character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure – the greater the pressure, the deeper the revelation, the truer the choice to the character’s essential nature.” – Robert McKee

We’re all in this together

This crisis affects most of us in one way or another.
How we handle things can reveal our true character.

Maybe you didn’t even know if you really care about others or not so much.
As long as we aren’t put to the test, we may overestimate our kindness, selflessness or courage.

It’s when you truly have to choose that you find out who you are.

So even if you feel great, stay home if you can.
Keep safe and stay healthy.

We’re all in this together and we all contribute to getting this over with as quickly as possible.

Take care,

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