The titans of government and finance will likely not share with us mere mortals, for fear of civil unrest, but leaner times are likely on the way. How will we do more with less? We heard this during the Great Recession, but now we have time to prepare, time to think, time to read, time to research, time to play to our strengths. Education has quickly transitioned to distance learning and everyone involved has made the switch under duress and stress, but necessity is the mother of invention. Cliche yes, but think of how massive of a transition that represents. No in-person, face-to-face teaching...the essence of our craft. To see the lightbulb, tease out the answer, revel in the wonderment of discovery. Missing. Replaced with online submissions, morning meetings on Zoom, and recorded lessons from our kitchens...devoid of the passion and certainty, or uncertainty, of that moment in time.
How does this impact us going forward? The higher-ups will be thinking of this, have no doubt. What is truly necessary? What, where, and how can we get "leaner" and "do more with less" in this "new normal". Ironic how the phrase "lean in" can be easily transformed into "get leaner". The here and now can be, and should be, a pristine time for innovation. Sir Issac Newton did some of his finest work while in quarantine...in the mid-1600s! No internet. No Chromebook. No Zoom. No Netflix for heaven's sake! We still have the ability to collaborate, but with more time for self-thought, daydreaming, reflection, walks, authentic brain breaks. The mind should be freer and clearer from extraneous sludge, the day to day pebbles in our shoes, that hinders our concentration and impedes our momentum. Pure, crystal clear ideas...put to paper...well thought out...shared...redone. We can be in charge of the innovation in front of us. Let's not allow this uncertain and challenging time be in charge of us.
"We must use time as a tool, not as a couch."
John F. Kennedy
