It Feels Like Y2K
The term “Y2K” may bring back some vivid memories of what the industry endured in preparation of the arrival of the year 2000. It was parking’s doomsday for many and for others, it was just an opportunity to adapt and innovate. Experts feared that the switch from the two-digit year ‘99 to ‘00 would wreak havoc on computer systems and parking had its plenty of those. The times also generated its share of tag lines and buzzwords, like the Y2K Bug, Millennium Bug, etc. You could not attend a conference and/or industry meeting without full days dedicated to the topic.
Well, it feels like déjà vu! The current pandemic has gripped the world for almost two years and, as a result, we have found ourselves in a similar time. Our vernacular now includes “curb management” (overused term with endless definitions and interpretations), “work from home,” “self-isolation,” “vaccine hesitancy,” “flattening the curve,” etc. All of it captured over the many months we have endured while dealing with a global pandemic.
This “Y2K” is different. It has a direct effect on our people (sickness and death). And because of that, we have a need to focus on how we manage them under the new terms and conditions, which have created self-silos and isolation for many. Of course, we will look back at this event, just like we look back at many events during our lifetime, and wonder how we made it. Some of us will be reminded how it changed the social fabric, even if it was for a period. We are challenged with new work policies on how to manage our teams, like the hybrid work arrangement. We’re learning how to deal with new rules of engagement for how we manage the expectations developed during this period. How do we get back to our “normal” where we could disseminate our corporate culture and values with greater ease?
I will share our organization’s top three approaches to a hybrid work plan/agreement:
- Set the stage—think together about how we work together as a hybrid team.
- Encourage team members’ participation—You don’t need to have all the answers, but you really want to hear perspectives from each member of the team.
- Explain the process—be clear about the return to office plan and any non-negotiables.
The new normal will have its set of challenges, which we will overcome with patience, time and a lot of personal and professional investment. One thing is certain: We all need to be ready for the next “Y2K” moment, because it is not if, but when.
Take care of each other!
