National Hardwood Magazine - October 2020

HMA UPDATE “MAY YOU

HMA UPDATE “MAY YOU LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES!” Are you familiar with the phrase, “May you live in interesting times?” Some say it is an ancient Chinese curse. Others say it’s neither ancient nor Chinese, but rather an expression coined by an American politician in the late 1930’s. Nonetheless, the phrase certainly speaks to where we are right now. Change has been forced upon us all, like it or not, and we are indeed living in interesting times. And no matter how you define “Interesting” – gripping, engaging, exciting, compelling, good, not-so-good – the question we all are asking ourselves is, “How, in the name of all things good, do we morph a world-changing pandemic into an opportunity?” “6 Strategies for Shaping your Post-Pandemic Future” In a recent article, global futurist and recognized pioneer in the field of innovation, Robert B. Tucker, offered insight “to help formulate a post-pandemic playbook.” In the article Tucker said: • “Strategic thinking is about consciously shifting focus; going from ‘fire-fighting’ to fire-starting; considering how the world is changing and will evolve during the next year, three years and five. It’s about opening up to new possibilities, new business models, new products and customer solutions. • You’ve been focused on keeping your people safe, and your supply lines humming. But now it’s time to ask: what’s next? This is the perfect time to think about your strategy. Where you are; where you want to be; and assessing the realistic chances of getting from here to there.” I like the way Tucker thinks. He’s positive; he’s a ‘doer;’ and he encourages us all to be the same. As we begin month eight of the pandemic, it’s clear. There is no going ‘back.’ There’s only, ‘what’s next?’ (I encourage you to give “6 Strategies for Shaping your Post-Pandemic Future,” a read. I hope you find it to be as insightful as I did.) I’ll close by sharing a quote from stage, screen and television star, Alan Alda – yes of M*A*S*H fame. He’s 84 years old, now; living with the struggles of Parkinson’s Disease, yet still feisty and vibrant. What’s his message? “Trust in Science; Keep the Faith and Laugh more!” Amen to that! Take good care. n BY LINDA JOVANOVICH, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, HARDWOOD MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, PITTSBURGH, PA 412-244-0440 WWW.HMAMEMBERS.ORG 16 OCTOBER 2020 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

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