I’ve been processing my emotions non-stop for the last 3+ weeks and haven’t been able to completely settle into the new normal that we are all experiencing. Maybe it’s the uncertainty of it all or the constant unveiling of new information that leads to more suffering, from the closing of businesses to the loss of jobs, or missed milestones for graduating seniors to the reality of the virus starting to infect the ones you love.
Through all of the ups and downs that each week (sometimes even each day) brings, I have to believe that better days are coming. Every day my faith is renewed by acts of compassion in our country and the world. Organizations and individuals are choosing love and kindness over fear and isolation. Communities are coming together to support one another and are unveiling the silver linings in a crisis that has brought the entire world to a halt.
Below are some of my favorite stories that epitomize the ideals of leading with compassion.
Marriott President & CEO, Arne Sorenson
On March 19, Marriott International shared a video from President and CEO, Arne Sorenson outlining the efforts Marriott was taking in response to COVID, including the forgoing of his own salary through the remainder of the year. On the surface the video is eloquent and concise but the true lesson here is one of outstanding leadership. Marriott employs over 130,000 people in the United States and in one five-and-a-half-minute video Mr. Sorenson, who mind you is battling stage two pancreatic cancer, spoke to his team with honesty, transparency and a clarity that allowed his heartfelt emotions to come through. There is no easy answer on how to operate a business during COVID, but what I hope is that all leaders show compassion in how they treat not only their customers but also their employees who have invested their livelihood in the success of their organization.
San Antonio Food Bank Advocate, Rick Hill
This past Saturday Rick Hill, my former colleague at the Valero Alamo Bowl, nearly bought out a local San Antonio food distributor, and along with his wife proceeded to create fresh vegetable and fruit packages that they would deliver to anyone in the area that needed or wanted the produce. There are two genius things that are happening here that a novice Rick acquaintance might overlook. First his natural OCD and inability to sit still are most definitely getting the best of him during the Stay at Home Order, but I am proud that he was able to focus his energy on something so selfless. Second, the man has a heart of gold. His only request for utilizing his new found no-cost grocery delivery service was that recipients donate to the San Antonio Food Bank, if they were in a position to do so. I have many mentors in my life but none quite like Rick. His ability to see a need and find a solution that supported so many in the process is a true example of leading with compassion.
The Real Heroes, Nurses
My uncle was diagnosed with COVID just over a week ago and is currently hospitalized in Denver. He also has advanced dementia which provides its own complications in the ability to care for someone with a COVID diagnosis. If you have not experienced the medical treatment side of this crisis I’ll provide a brief run down. In my uncle’s case he was transported to the hospital via ambulance, with no escort or family present to prevent the exposure and spread of the virus. He has very minimal verbal communication and severe cognitive decline due to dementia. From here he was taken into the very caring and capable hands of the Porter Hospital staff where they would do everything they can to stabilize his condition and treat the COVID while taking all measures to prevent themselves from being exposed to the virus. We, his family, are unable to visit him due to the possibility of exposure to the virus. The nurses call my dad to update him on my uncle’s status each day. Knowing that my uncle has minimal verbal communication and that we are unable to visit him in the hospital they offer to hold the phone to my uncle’s ear so my dad can talk to him. They are fighting to save lives every single day in an environment that could literally kill them, but they show compassion in the simplest way by giving my dad the chance to talk to his brother.
I share this very personal story to give a bit of insight into how serious this virus is. Please do not put yourself or others at risk by not taking all precautionary measures to prevent the spread. We all want life to return to ‘normal’ but I think what we want more is for all of our loved ones to be safe and healthy. There might be a sacrifice you have to take here and there over the coming weeks, but believe me you will be so grateful when that sacrifice saves your loved one’s life.
**An update on my uncle. As of Sunday, April 5th he had gone 36+ hours without a fever and has started eating again. His doctors are now preparing to test him again for COVID. With two negative test results he can then start preparing for occupational and physical therapy that will hopefully lead to his return home.