Author: Adi Muslic, PMP

So many changes in so little time. Last month was very intense. It required a lot of effort just to keep up with news, not to mention adjusting to all changes and measures affecting our lives. Some of the measures are to stay for a long time with us, some others will gradually disappear. Although the efforts to find new ways to fight more effectively the virus are tremendous, we will certainly continue living with the virus for many months to come.

My biggest concern, going forward, is the part of the population that is at high risk. Even if they stay at home but a spouse or a relative has to go out, there is still a chance to bring the virus back home. It is quite clear that we will keep the security social distance enforced for some time. But this may still not be enough to feel secure, as the meeting rooms can be quite small. The best way to be better protected is to carry on a protective face mask, gloves and use the quarantine precautions once back home. Will it be the new normal to wear on a mask and gloves in business meetings? Would not, in that case, a video conferencing be more appropriate?

There are so many lessons to learn from this experience in each segment of our lives. The importance of controlled and measured communications. The endless capacity to adjust and change to survive. The need for flexibility and agility to turn around your business or life.
The remote working and home office may become more common practice, and be used as an alternative when appropriate. Having family dinners or celebrations organized with a video conferencing could be used to meet more often.

Every change is an opportunity. Let's make use of this one.

Be safe,

Adi

Author: Miguel Hurtado, CAPM

Seat, Zara, Givenchy, Dior or your favorite beer. What do they have in common during this time? Easy, a big effort to adapt to critical situations. 

With the COVID-19 virus and the crisis situation world economy took a halt, affecting everything from local shops to big factories...many jobs have either been put on hold or put in a home office situation. But some industries have adapted very quick to help in this COVID-19 situation. 

We can find examples everywhere, but I wish to focus on 2 different examples: beer and cars. In Switzerland Fasnachtbier is very common during Carnival time, a tradition during the years but with this last crisis and the cancellation of Carnival's festivities, beer factories didn't have the opportunity to sell their product. But the beer industry reacted and refocused the production and the recycle of its unsold beer to produce alcohol for hand disinfection, dedicated to supply local pharmacies, and neighbors helping neighbors in difficult times. 

The second example is the auto industry. In countries like Spain or Italy where the pandemic hit hard, the auto industry became a good helper. They stopped the production of some cars and decided to find a way to fight the virus and help. A volunteer group developed a breathing machine using the motor of the windscreen wiper!

Around the world we can find examples of how project management provides the chance to lead change and help people.

From elderly people creating handmade masks with sewing machines to big industries creating medical devices, all these are projects and all will make the change we need. 

We can do it, if we work together! 

Author: Geetanjali Bhat, PMP

Dear members and newsletter subscribers!

This is my first Editorial and I am really excited to be a part of this community sharing more than event articles. This is that time of the year where we usually enjoy the freshness and bright colors of Spring. Unfortunately, due to pandemic, we all are fighting against the virus outbreak staying indoors. The new virus threat has suddenly changed our lives and plans and this is the most challenging aspect of 2020. But I believe we all can fight this and come out of this situation successfully.

We have seen many changes in the Global PMI organization last year. With 2020 too, they are working on continuously, with new and innovative methods delivering great content and value-added events throughout the year.

Swiss Chapter too is actively working towards change, given the current circumstances throughout the world. PMI Board would be soon launching “Online Events” for our community. This would bring a great value addition to our community especially when many of us are really interested to join the event but cannot physically join. I am really enthusiastic and eager to be a part of these online events as soon as they get launched.

Well, I hope that the coming months will bring in a healthy and safe environment for all of us.

Wishing all of you Stay Safe and Healthy!

Cheers,

Geetanjali

Author: Miguel Hurtado, CAPM