Rick Simone | EGN LLC president; Federal Hill Commerce Association executive director
Never in my career have I spent so much time on crisis management.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created some form of crisis to manage in every type of business that I work with. From doctors to lawyers, nonprofits and of course my beloved restaurants on Federal Hill: They have all been tested to find ways to persevere now more than any other time in recent history.
I have always looked at managing a crisis as an opportunity from which to learn and develop a way to come out of it stronger. The single biggest key to this has always been to remain optimistic, regardless of the challenge.
Leading in the face of great uncertainty is not easy and you will not have all the answers all at once. However, spreading an optimistic tone and conveying those thoughts breeds further optimism.
It fills me with pride and energy to see how small businesses have caught on to this optimism and continue to innovate, collaborate and stay resilient.
We are far from being finished with this latest crisis. All of us need a reminder every now and then as to why what we do is important to us, so I offer this up:
Step outside in any season and realize how beautiful Rhode Island is, smile at your loved ones a bit more and let those you lead know you are here for them. As leaders in our given paths, we each have a responsibility to offer up a sense of determination and let this crisis breed optimism.