I have started summarizing the research on how: individuals and groups react in a crisis and what the most effective leaders do in response.

In working across industries I see many organizations and leaders treating the Corona crisis like a change event. While it is at this stage this thing is about to get a lot bigger. My sense is that in the next weeks and months many: individuals, families and organizations are actually heading into a collective trauma.

The infection rates are growing exponentially (NYT):

If this does become a trauma for people there has been a lot of research on what will likely happen next. Some individuals, as well as companies will experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some will succumb or not recover back to where they were. Many will recover to their baseline again. And a smaller group will use the event to experience Post Traumatic Growth.

Which path individuals and organizations follow will be determined by steps they take (or don't take) throughout the crisis. I see three phases needed for Post Traumatic Growth to occur and actions and traps for each:

I think that individuals, families and organizations that do each of these phases well can grow from the experience. Though from the research not many will take the steps leading to Post Traumatic Growth. 

Where we and and our organizations end up on the curve will be determined by the choices we make at each of the stages above. The challenge and opportunity will be to get through the first difficult phase and then come out stronger rather than diminished on the other side.

I am partnering with organizations to deliver virtual resilience sessions to support staff to more effectively change and grow during Corona crisis. Learn more here.