Albert Einstein once said, “You can’t solve a problem on the same level that it was created. You have to rise above it to the next level.” We are watching innovation occur everywhere during the current COVID-19 crisis. Medical experts, military, government and corporate partners are finding new ways to improve methods, equipment and procedures for the better. The greatest reality show ever created; we are seeing world-wide transformation at the speed of “live”.
We are transferring doctors, nurses, medical staff, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) around the country, to the locations of greatest need. A tremendous number of fantastic innovations and groundbreaking solutions are being provided and will continue to evolve during this time of need. Individuals, corporations, governments at all levels are working together in heroic unison, as we have only seen during previous times of national crisis. Tremendous efforts are still needed, and transformation is required to push through the challenges that lay ahead.
Europe is creating response as the crisis progresses between European Union (EU) partners. Not only are medical personnel flowing between cities as the need elevates in different locations; patients are also being transported cross-border to different facilities. Italy and France have both moved patients to Germany on high-speed train from the severely hit cities of Bergamo Italy and Strasbourg France, relieving pressure and hospitals. In many ways the founding policies of the EU are being tested within the growing need for mutual support. Will similar capabilities evolve in the United States?
The states are innovatively turning to each other for coalition and solidarity. Recently, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and his adjacent state counterparts are developing a strategy to ease stay-at-home orders imposed last month. A similar declaration came from California, Oregon and Washington. As we transition to the new normal during the time of coronavirus, no doubt states will become even more effective and innovative in assisting each other with excess material and efficient use of healthcare staff.
Getting Ready to Transition? Stay Focused, stay innovative
During this same time, you maybe considering transitioning from the military – a transformational experience and its own challenge. There is no greater time to study your personal and professional desires, as they relate to your life’s work or vocation. However, you may be distracted by the current situation and the associated news. It is a difficult time to remain focused, but you must.
Use these challenging times to assist in deriving unique ideas for your upcoming military transition. Your military experience provides clues on your passion, and perhaps your future occupation or vocation. What have you enjoyed the most during your previous experiences? Perform some personal analysis and determine your professional direction. Accomplishing work that you enjoy and are good at will help the world the most. This is where your passions reside. You likely can’t stop at analyzing your passions however – you’ll need to start the journey of getting from those interests and into a new civilian career. There is a need to create a new you and successfully make the transition during your transformational “reality show”.
Is some personal restructuring needed to accelerate your departure from the service and movement into the commercial world? What innovative thought can help your transformation from the military to a civilian career? How will you face the challenge?
Peter F. Drucker, renown business consultant and author stated, “If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.” If you’re getting ready to transition out of the military, the experience likely won’t look the way you expected, with even many TAP programs going virtual in response to COVID-19. Faced with a transition you didn’t anticipate, now is the time to model countries, states and communities across the country, and start innovating.
Wishing you a successful and lucrative military transition.
