Pondering the Post-Pandemic Positives
The human carnage wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic is incalculable, extending far beyond the daily count of casualties. My prayers for those of us who have lost loved ones and/or co-workers are deep and sincere.
Indeed, it’s times like these that we feel blessed to have eternal optimists in our circles. For me, that means turning to Dave Wendland, vice president of strategic relations of Hamacher Resource Group Inc., a Waukesha-based retail supply chain consulting company.
On the side, Wendland fancies himself as an armchair futurist who tries to see around the corners.
“In the wake of the world’s most devastating pandemic in more than 100 years, it is difficult to imagine much good arising. However, searching for silver linings is what the optimist in me typically does – and this is no exception,” Wendland said.
So, while we’re waiting for our vaccinations, here are seven “post-pandemic positives” Wendland says have emerged at home and in the workplace.
Focus on family “Family time became the focus once again. Board games were played, and puzzles were assembled. Meals were shared. And new memories were surely borne,” Wendland said. “Children saw how their parent or parents worked each day and how they interacted and treated others before, during and after countless hours of Zoom calls. For the parents, seeing first-hand the reality of schoolwork, stress and social media demands and expectations became more evident.”
Teamwork “I’ve witnessed connections made stronger, interests outside of the office aligned and portions of projects approached independently yet brought together at the end,” Wendland said. “One of the benefits of the ‘new normal’ has been a genuine and sincere interest among co-workers. I’m quite confident that there had forever been concern, but a rather detached personal connection. However, when you are literally brought into a co-worker’s home via video conference, and you see a co-worker in a different environment, a much deeper appreciation is evoked.”
Technology “The advancements made in technology solutions have been unprecedented. Some have suggested that 10 years of development may have occurred within a year. And I concur,” Wendland said. “Working across the retail supply chain, our company has seen tremendous advancements, from cashier-less checkout to eCommerce adoption.”
Flexibility “Despite its overuse, the word ‘pivot’ perfectly depicts the creativity and necessary adjustments made on the fly throughout this pandemic,” Wendland said. “For those that may like order, like me, this has been a rather unsettling and anxious time. The ability to remain flexible and turn on a dime helped organizations, associations and even families adapt to the circumstances of the day.”
Trust “With the majority of our associates, our customers and our partners working remotely, which resulted in less frequent communication, sporadic work schedules and the need to ‘trust the process,’ my traditional expectations were put to the test,” Wendland said. “I must admit, however, that once I realized that obligations were being met (often ahead of time) and follow-through was different but present, trust was restored.”
Collaboration “It has been quite amazing to witness uncommon partnerships form to create better solutions and outcomes,” Wendland said. “We saw it in the ingenuity and perseverance that went into new relationships to create vaccines and personal protection equipment and in the imagination that brought retailers, restaurants, service organizations and others together for the common good. Such collaborative efforts have touched innumerable industries and individuals – and this, I hope, will continue to be present long after the pandemic is in the rearview mirror.”
Priorities “Finally, and perhaps my favorite topic, is the reordering of what’s truly important. From a workplace standpoint, priorities shifted, and expeditious action was taken when deemed appropriate. The importance of communicating reprioritization and focusing on the most pressing matters became abundantly evident across most companies,” Wendland said. “Priorities at home – health, safety, well-being, happiness and balance – are the ones that I hope and pray will remain from this point forward. This commitment to genuine engagement and connections has become the centerpiece of many family relationships and should continue to be a top priority.”
Dave Wendland
Title: Vice President of Strategic Relations
Organization: Hamacher Resource Group, Inc., Waukesha
Profession or Expertise: Strategy, business development, public speaking/writing, imagineering
Education: Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Family: Wife, Christine; and children, Harrison and Julia
City of residence: Brookfield
Best advice ever received: “Remember, you’ll always have ideas you haven’t thought of yet.” (From my late father and mentor, Bob Wendland)
Favorite musical artist: Stevie Wonder
Favorite Wisconsin restaurant: Ann’s Italian Restaurant, Hales Corners
