Date – 24/3/20
Hello Folks,
Hope everyone is keeping well and using safety measures. Continuing from my previous mail as to what should we do / not do in these uncertain times where the world seems to be coming to an end –
First – the world is not coming to an end. There will be good times again. I understand if it’s tough to think about how those times (good ones) look. Well, just remember the world 30 days back. If it can be f***ed in a few days – then, it can certainly be rebuilt in a few months. Especially our sector – living is not a discretionary activity. People will live somewhere. If anything, coliving is more value for money and thus Zolo should do better after all this is over. PG / Coliving business boomed after the last financial crisis of 08-09 and if the past repeats itself, we would be in for a good run.
Second – let’s be real and accept that there’s a whole world of pain out there in the short term. But, we got to play with the cards that have been dealt. That’s how the game works. We can cry about it. We can whine about it. We can do whatever about it. It is what it is. So, instead of worrying and panicking – let’s focus on what’s the best we can do in these circumstances. Each one of us should contribute to the organization in the best possible way. Be with your teams – have video or concalls regularly. You can’t be there physically but don’t let them feel that you are not there. Start documenting processes or working on creating new ones that you always felt were needed. Start working on some R&D. Start working on building those data models. Upskill yourself and others by reading and sharing management concepts. Well, the list can go on (if you really want to contribute).
Third – we all have to support each other and the organization. I don’t want anyone spreading negativity around. Negativity is more infectious than corona. We have to remember why we are doing all this. It’s not a job we do. It’s a way of telling the world that there exists a better solution to living than the ones that are currently available. We challenge the status quo. With the same thought, we have to challenge the status quo of panic and fear mindset – we have to show the world that at Zolo, we can all maintain a positive mindset.
Fourth – we will take care of our people. We have provided safety measures for our staff at our properties. We have already gotten every person (including our property staff) insured for treatment of corona, God forbid if anyone gets it. I hope we all understand that some of the essential work can’t be done from home. We are trying our best to minimize exposure by creating duty rosters, taking proper precautions, and educating our staff about the identification of early signs and importance of quarantine. And I’m truly grateful to our property and field teams who are doing their work with all the might and power.
Last – it’s wartime. In peacetime, citizens expect the country to give. In war, it’s the opposite. Modifying JFK – “ask not what your organization can do for you. Ask what you can do for your organization”. If you are willing to go at lengths, we will all be fine. It’s just a temporary tide of bad times. We will prevail.
