Chair's Column: Now Is the Time To work as One Region to Keep #DSMstrong

We are living in unprecedented times. For those of you reading this, things may very well have changed since I wrote it. Nonetheless, with the spread of COVID-19 and impact it has on our world, country, state and region, I think there are some truths that we can all live by. I have been reading about human behavior and how people stay strong during difficult times, and these three things are consistent:

1. Accept Reality
2. Behave Productively
3. Control Upsetting Thoughts — Be Kind!

Even during this uncertainty, we can do those three things. We can focus on engagement, both rational and emotional. We must keep #DSMstrong.

Accept Reality

This is an uncertain, ever-evolving situation. That’s the reality. To better understand the situation and impacts, I encourage you to read this COVID 19: Briefing Note from McKinsey & Company that provides an executive summary to help senior leaders understand how the situation may unfold and steps they can take to protect their employees, customers, supply chains and financial results.

Behave Productively

Through adversity comes the opportunity to be stronger and better. That’s the opportunity to behave proactively. As a community, we are reacting to address this situation as quickly and collectively as possible. Once we have done our part to ensure everyone’s safety to the best of our ability, we will shift our efforts to rebounding. We are a resilient country and in particular a resilient region. We are going to innovate because we are going to think differently and shift our thought process.

Show Kindness

This has given us all an opportunity to demonstrate that the #1 priority in our world is each other. It’s about people, and their safety and security. That’s the opportunity to be kind. Help each other through the era of social distancing. Support local businesses as much as you can. Be kind to yourself and be cognizant of your mental health. Find mental health tips on The Partnership’s GetActive DSM Workplace Wellness webpage.

I am proud to say our Partnership Investors and Members are already living out these principals. The early results of a survey to our Investors and Members shows they understand and accept the sobering reality that they must change their business practices and policies. They are behaving productively to quickly evolve. I think it is most telling that so many people raised their hand to help others in need. You can see high level results of the survey here.

This is a time to come together as a community. That is why we have launched the #DSMstrong hashtag on social media, and we encourage you to share it. We will get through this and come out the other side stronger with one voice as one region.

You can count on The Partnership to continue to share accurate and fact-based updates as well. See more on COVID-19 here.

Find these tips useful? Find more business tools and information by visiting the Business Resources page.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization for more than 6,400 Regional Business Members and 340+ Investors. The Partnership is a champion of the DSM USA message of Greater Des Moines (DSM) as a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community. Learn more about The Partnership’s vision of one voice, one mission as one region.