Will the Covid-19 Crisis Cause a Paradigm Shift?
Will the COVID-19 Crisis Cause a Paradigm Shift?
There is a lot of talk these days, about paradigm shifts, but what is a paradigm shift?
A paradigm shift is a major change in the way people perceive the world, triggered by an event that causes a shift in our way of thinking.
The term, "paradigm shift" originated in 1962 by physicist Thomas Kuhn, in his influential book, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions".
An example of a paradigm shift, is when Louis Pasteur discovered that many illnesses were caused by naturally occurring microscopic organisms; and were NOT examples of Divine intervention and punishments from God.
Another example of a paradigm shift was when the Americans dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, in 1945, which convinced the Japanese to surrender unconditionally, and thus ended WWII. The atomic bomb was a paradigm shift, because it led to the belief that World Wars are now too dangerous to contemplate, since it would mean Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD).
Is the COVID-19 Pandemic a Paradigm Shift Event?
It could be that the COVID-19 pandemic will cause a paradigm shift in people's thinking and trigger a significant and permanent change in the way we live our lives. It depends upon two things:
1. How the Government responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government has introduced drastic, new, draconian measures, imposing restrictions on the freedoms of its citizens. Never before have we been legally bound to remain in Lockdown. The Government have granted themselves these powers for at least two years. The question is, will we regain our freedoms after two years or not?
If not, then COVID-19 is a paradigm shift, in respect of the relationship between the individual and the state. The state would have made a power grab and would dominate the individual to a greater degree since before the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.
2. How the public responds to the COVID-19 crisis.
The acid test, as to whether COVID-19 is a paradigm shift event, is the reaction of the public. Will the public continue to abide with the restrictions imposed upon their liberties and their social lives? If the general public, changes its view of relationships with passing strangers on trains, in cinemas, in restaurants, and in the streets, then the pandemic will indeed signal a paradigm shift.
On the other hand, if the public lose faith in the statistics and the Government narrative, and if the majority of people refuse to isolate themselves from the rest of humanity from now to eternity, then, COVID-19 crisis may be a blip. Only time will tell.
What does this mean for us, as leaders and managers?
The important thing for us as individual leaders and managers, is to ensure that we continue to progress towards our goals, within the new paradigm.
We know for sure that this pandemic will not be over in a month, and that the future may bring to the economy a "New Normal".
You will have to continue your work in whatever conditions the new paradigm presents to you. And in order to do that successfully, you must know how to get the best performance from yourself and others, especially during tough times.
Get the best from yourself and others during these difficult times
If you would like to learn more about how to get the best performance from yourself and others, please take a look at our Online Professional Development Training Course, where you can learn how to ride out this paradigm shift.
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Definition: Paradigm shift
A paradigm shift is a deep change in the shared view of the world. It starts after clear proof upsets the old way of thinking, makes past rules unfit, and shapes long-term choices across many areas of life and work. Good leaders spot the change early and adapt.
Show CG4D Definition
- Replaces the shared view of the world with a new one
- Starts after clear event or proof that clashes with the old view
- Makes old rules and measures unfit for use
- Shapes long-term choices in many areas, not just one
Article Summary
COVID-19 shows how one event can reset our view of health, work and power. Whether it becomes a lasting paradigm shift rests on how governments use new rules and how people accept or reject them. Wise leaders stay calm, build skills and guide teams so they thrive in any new normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is a paradigm shift in simple words?
Who first used the term "paradigm shift"?
Why do some see COVID-19 as a paradigm shift?
How might government lockdown powers affect freedom long term?
How could public response decide if COVID-19 triggers a shift?
Which historic events in the article show paradigm shifts?
How can leaders adapt in the new normal economy?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
UK Office for National Statistics data (Feb 2024) shows 28% of staff now work only from home and 40% follow a hybrid pattern, up from 5% and 11% in 2019. McKinsey Global Workforce Survey (Apr 2024) reports 64% of leaders plan to raise spending on staff re-skill and leadership training, compared with 37% in 2019.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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