Covid19 has filled our lives with uncertainties. In uncertain times, it intuitive to look for definitive answers. Ones that will help us make sense of all that is happening to us and around us. Yet, it is in uncertain times that we would do well to call upon two key abilities. One, exploring possibilities with an open and curious mindset. Second, powerful questioning as a skill in engaging with these possibilities. These abilities will help us in exploring post COVID possibilities.
Curating possibilities
In this spirit of exploration, we curated plausible scenarios of the future. A world post COVID19. We looked for thought leaders and POVs ranging from economic, societal, humanitarian and more. This curation is to assist each of you in considering possibilities. These reads encompass work, workspace and workforce and will help us in exploring post COVID possibilities on various fronts.
We have combed sources which are an eclectic mix. Yet, this list is not an exhaustive compilation. The POV’s are listed below in no particular order either. The intent is to evoke thought and conversations. We invite you to share any interesting POV’s in the comments section or Twitter for the benefit of all.
How will society evolve post COVID?
The Black death which killed 25 to 30 million people in 14th century Europe is credited with ending feudalism. World War 2, allowed women to participate in the workforce in large numbers. 9/11 reshaped transportation and security. The 2003 SARS attack gave birth to online retail and Alibaba in China! Read more on how Covid will influence society.
The economy post Covid
From an economic perspective, there are four possible futures: a descent into barbarism, a robust state capitalism, a radical state socialism, and a transformation into a big society built on mutual aid. Versions of all of these futures are perfectly possible, if not equally desirable.
Second perspective is from Mark Carney in the Economist. He says In recent years, the market economy has become the market society. The virus could reverse that trend and recreate Value. Read more of this thought provoking insight here
Strategic thinking in the era following COVID
The world economic forum weighs in using a three horizon framework to plan for the future post COVID. It also opines that COVID19 could push half a billion people into poverty. Read more
The Human revolution
Humankind is going through a humanitarian revolution, the kind that has occurred only thrice before: first, after the discovery of fire; second, with the advent of agriculture; and third, following the industrial revolution. Read more
Permanent Shift towards remote working
Covid-19 could permanently shift working patterns as companies forced to embrace remote working by the pandemic find that their employees do not want to return to the office once the closures are lifted. Check the possibility here
Kavi explored many of these post COVID possibilities in a tweet chat with the hashtag KaapiWithKavi.
Ripple effects
Each of these possibilities will generate ripple effects in other, unconnected sectors. For instance, if employees continue to work remotely, real estate markets will re-calibrate. Governments which come down hard to stem disinformation, may impinge freedom for long.
In most times the ability to explore with curiosity and an open mind, is a competitive advantage. In the Times of COVID, which is being called as much larger than a Black swan by Nicholas Taleb, it possibly is a matter of survival.
Image credits PIxabay
April 30, 2020, 3:58 pm