A note from CEO Kelley Downing in response to COVID-19

To call the current landscape “uncertain” has become a bit of an understatement. The circumstances of our daily lives are evolving so rapidly it is difficult to know what to do or what will happen next. It’s like waking up in the middle of the night and fumbling around in the dark… everything is as it was, yet everything is unfamiliar.

We find ourselves existing in a “new normal” – and our work at Bartlett is no exception. Right now, we’re fully operational and ready to serve our clients. Yet, now our team is working completely from home instead of in the office. We’re figuring out new ways to seek clarification or ask for an opinion without the advantage of popping into someone’s office. We’re learning everything there is to learn about Zoom meetings. We’re experiencing technology glitches, children’s interruptions, and many other unforeseen challenges. 

But that’s OK. We’re built for this.

The Bartlett Way clarifies our core values and gives us a firm foundation upon which to build. This global pandemic is an opportunity to lean on those values and glean guidance from them. As we navigate these uncharted waters together, we’re finding new ways to put them to use.

Here are a few that have been helpful to us as we get started. Perhaps they’ll help you, too.

Be a great communicator.

The more we can stay in touch with others, the better! Most of us are finding fewer built-in opportunities to communicate with people throughout the day. Consider regularly scheduling time to make a few phone calls to catch up with friends. Facetime a family member you can’t be with right now. Email far-flung friends or colleagues, or text a few jokes to someone who might appreciate the laugh.  Most of all, don’t be afraid to express your thoughts, feelings, or concerns to someone you trust. These are difficult times, and as we socially distance ourselves from others to protect our physical health, communicating with others will do a world of good for our mental health.

Be adaptable.

Obviously, we can’t do things the way we usually do right now. It’s an excellent time for all of us to embrace new ideas and new ways of thinking. Maybe it’s making adjustments to your weekly errands, participating in a “happy hour” via Zoom (like our Bartlett team did last week!), or enjoying the arts via the internet. Who knows, you might even find you like a “different” way better!

Of course, we have no higher priority right now than taking good care of ourselves and others. I urge you to prioritize the health and well-being of your family above all else, in the big ways and the small.  And, while you’re spending more time at home, make sure you spend some time doing the things you enjoy, don’t forget to take a step outside to breathe some fresh air, and drink plenty of water.

We don’t know how long this departure from the status quo might last, and we can’t anticipate all the ways the world may be different when we’re on the other side of it. But we can be a light in the darkness and help guide the way. By continuing to operate from our common center, we’re working together… even though right now, we are apart. What are some ways that you might be a light in your circle of influence?