Slowly but surely the country is opening up.
The government has said we can go back to work, once fully vaccinated. So, it's time to think of what next, as we move from a health-critical phase, to one where our economic sectors come back to life.
Malaysia has recorded the highest unemployment rates in three decades, over the last year.
Being in the restaurant business, I also know that those in the service industry were the hardest hit. The virus brought the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors to a grinding halt.
The crisis caused by the pandemic also raised Malaysia's community poverty rate significantly. Research indicates that half of the families in a community are now living in absolute poverty.
Against this backdrop, we are all embarking on the journey towards economic recovery.
There is a growing need for technology usage to connect us with our work, businesses, customers and supply chains. The digitisation of the workplace has been hastened, and is in full-swing.
Trust and confidence in both the public and private sectors are being slowly being rebuilt, with a necessary requirement for deliberate intervention by the government of the day.
But on an individual level, you cannot lag behind either.
You need a certain type of mindset to be able to lift yourself or your company out of any difficulties.
And, the right mindset for now us to adopt the spirit of free enterprise.
Business ventures always begin with the aim of meeting a marketplace need. Businesspersons develop models around their products or services, and create strong and viable processes or platforms
As the economy opens up, this is the approach we all need to take on, to survive.
Start by creating a personal model of behaviour and governance that keeps you relevant at your workplace, and by adding value to your company. This is what will keep you in employment, or help you find a new job, or even be a catalyst for you to start a business.
The main characteristics you need now is the ability to create clear goals; make informed choices; ramp up your relationship building capacity; and lastly be agile.
These four traits become vital, if you want to be on the right trajectory.
Re-establish your current career goal again. Everyone will lack the cash to pay for top notch talent. The only way to attract these types of people is by setting goals that these talented people find compelling.
In a new venture, a deep and compelling purpose drives people to work. Similarly, this is the trait you must cultivate in your vocation, during this crisis.
Set up clear goals. And your short-term objectives need to be benchmarked by clear milestones. Once you reach these markers, you can begin to build your long-term goal around realising the return of your investment, which are your skills and knowledge, as well as your time and effort.
The next is to be able to make informed choices.
The most successful enterprises have founders who are passionate and have a deep understanding about their industry. They know how to select the right market segment to offer their products or services.
For the re-launch of your post-pandemic career, you need to study, and upskill for the sector or industry you are in. This allows to make informed choices.
What you bring to the table for your employer or potential new suitor must simply be of value them. And in the current climate, everyone needs problem solvers.
Are you an accomplished relationship building?
Early on, I realised that I just couldn't do everything myself. I had to learn about my own strengths and weaknesses. And, I had to focus on building a business that can attract, retain, and motivate capable people.
This is a trait that all companies need now, to survive the aftermath pandemic.
Your bosses need to witness this skill in you. If you have the ability work with people and create an environment for them that complements the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses of a team, you become vastly valuable for an employer.
And finally, you must be agile.
In business, there are constantly shifting landscapes and customer demands. So, the most accomplished businesses know how to be nimble. They monitor their customer's needs, keep an eye out on competitors, and are acutely aware of all new technological advancements.
If you are an agile or flexible employee, you must be willing to do whatever is necessary to get a job done. This means taking on more responsibilities, being open to different tasks, or just doing more at your workplace.
Ultimately, establishing clear goals, being able making informed choices, augmenting your relationship building skills and being agile form the foundation of your post-Covid "comeback".
Your job now is to reignite your vocation, perhaps seek better employment, or become an entrepreneur.
Get your mindset sorted, and you'll definitely see results!
Shankar R. Santhiram is managing consultant and executive leadership coach at EQTD Consulting. He is also the author of the national bestseller "So, You Want To Get Promoted?
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
