I’m starting to write this article during my summer break, surrounded by the Friulian Alps, indulging on a delicious Italian espresso and observing nature, feeling blessed. I am sitting in an open-air cafeteria that once was a train station. A cycling track connecting Austria to the Adriatic sea, Alpeadria, is just a few meters away from my temporary office. Several cyclists pass by saying “Mandi,” hello in the local language, or stop for their second breakfast.
When I decided to be an entrepreneur, back in 2003, I had no clue this meant being constantly connected to and surfing the ups and downs of a global market, and I had no idea a pandemic would come around and change our way of life for the better.
Don’t misunderstand me: As an independent events organiser I was a victim of the sanitary emergency as much as you were, but I feel that as leaders it is our personal and professional responsibility to focus on positive aspects of what occurs to us.
So let me highlight three ways in which our life has improved thanks to COVID-19.
1. Working from home
Before the pandemic, we used to feel ashamed if we could not afford to spend money, and time, to reach a rented office every day. Thanks to the new situation, home working has never been so cool. We save a huge sum of money, and none of our clients would say, “Oh no, that agency doesn’t have a hip office downtown, no way we will trust them.”
This means we have more spare time to go for an early morning swim, cook a homemade lunch and walk to the local store and buy fresh food, which results in a healthier way of life. By avoiding driving for one hour per day, we are more sustainable, reduce air pollution and start working in a far better mood. Don’t you think so? Ask your clients.
2. An increase in effectiveness
If you are able to concentrate and refuse to take part in all-day-long online meetings, you’ll agree with me that you need less time to deliver expected results. My personal experience is that I’ve never been so quick in writing new proposals for clients and quoting events.
The pandemic and its consequences—such as more competition, less potential clients, reduced budget for events and smaller teams to rely on—have worked as a free privileged masterclass on prioritising and selecting the most profitable projects.
Agility, smart decisions and being there when your clients need inspiration have always been an asset specialty for small and micro agencies, but nowadays they are a tremendous resource that may result in a far better positioning for small versus big companies, although even big agencies have surrendered to the evidence: People are reliable and are more productive than ever if you give them the chance to show it. Deloitte’s decision to embrace ultra-flexible working demostrates it: from now on, their employees may choose where, when and how to work.
3. More overall work/life balance and satisfaction
How? Not only as a result of the previous points, but as a personal and meditated decision that many of us have taken this year out of self love. Each of us has had the opportunity to reflect on their priorities and needs while struggling to maintain mental health and balance.
From a professional point of view, many of us have felt the urgent need for a strategy to identify and re-focus objectives and align them with their current mindset. Professionals have changed jobs looking for better balance between economic and emotional salary. Singles have gotten married, couples have decided to form a family or separated, pursuing personal happiness—which has necessarily involved a change in work-related expectations and determinations.
Apparently, I am not alone in my conclusions, as colleagues of the European Advisory Council confirm:
“The conversations with colleagues, prospects, clients and partners reached a more human, personal level—strengthening the relationships,” says Alda Egurrola. Anne Thougaard agrees: “We seem more relaxed in each other’s company: It’s OK to have kids or pets interrupt a meeting…we don’t need to be so polished and put on a facade.”
More personal and relaxed relationships are also proven to positively influence work satisfaction.
I am confident that events professionals, always so imaginative and flexible, are overcoming the current global challenge feeling stronger, more focussed on what’s important and happier.
This is my wish for all MPI colleagues and friends. Mandi, have a good summer break you all!
Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash
