Have you worked out how your business can play its part the in the battle against COVID-19?

It is obvious how some businesses need to step up and live their Purpose: medical device companies are accelerating the production of coronavirus testing kits and life sciences companies are working around the clock to develop treatments and vaccines.

For many of us, it isn’t that clear.  We want to help, but aren’t sure how.

My heart has been warmed by the way many businesses have put their Purpose front and centre and found creative ways to help:

–         Supermarkets have implemented designated shopping times for elderly and vulnerable customers

–         Coffee chains are offering free coffee and reduced price food to frontline healthcare workers

–         Courier companies are offering to run errands for elderly people free of charge

It’s made me think about what role I can play.

Last week I shared tips for communication with employees during the coronavirus crisis, things that every business should do. It doesn’t seem enough, so I put my Purpose of ‘helping good businesses to thrive’ front and centre and I’ve decided to offer free consultations to businesses that need advice on communicating with customers and/or colleagues around the coronavirus.  It still probably isn’t enough, but its another step in the right direction and I feel like I’m making a difference in a tangible way.

I recommend all organisations step back from the immediate challenges and consider what you are doing to help. By asking that question through the lens of your Purpose, you can’t go wrong. This is an unprecedented challenge and an unprecedented opportunity to step up and be counted.

When this is all over, and this too will pass, I don’t want to look back and find myself wanting, do you?