Fear vs Caution

We are now gripped by the global news of COVID-19, and we are being asked to remain flexible and nimble in our reactions and expectations. This pandemic is reaching into every aspect of our worlds, and, no doubt, you can already list numerous disruptions to your businesses and personal lives. One of the most responsible things any business or organization can do at this time is to minimize risk by participating in the efforts to flatten the curve of the spread of the virus by following CDC and WHO recommended guidelines. So, what is the Concrete Foundations Association doing about it?

I read a recent post about the difference between fear and caution. The prior paralyzes individuals and populations and results in no progress, no way forward, and even no defense. The latter, however, urges common sense and encourages the mind to propose solutions, find alternatives, and rationalize opportunities. Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said: 

“First of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror, which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” 

CFA leadership has already been challenged organizationally by the risks associated with carrying on business as normal. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) was forced to cancel the Spring Concrete Convention, only the second time in history the bi-annual event has been canceled (the other instance was after 9/11). Usually, the board of directors uses this event for two of their four meetings, and several directors participate in some of the technical committee activities that are advancing residential concrete codes, cold weather concrete best practices, and even certification. Like ACI, however, the board is pivoting and planning to carry on business as usual instead of business as normal.

In today’s age of technology, we have continued to desire face-to-face meetings. There is no doubt that the greatest value of in-person gatherings is the ability to set aside technology long enough to invest in relationships, in listening, in reading facial expressions, and in simply hearing others’ voices. It is in times like these, however, that technology becomes our facilitator, permitting business to be conducted, and it is up to us to stop long enough (even with the distractions around us) to listen for what we know those facial expressions might be. That is, unless we are using video conferencing, which is also there for us to take advantage of during this time.

The question many may be tempted to ask is, “What about Concrete Foundations Convention 2020?” Well, what about it? — is the only answer that can be given at this time. The rapidly changing national and international response to this pandemic currently leaves us knowing we should establish social distancing and protect our most vulnerable and communicable populations. This way, our medical communities will be better equipped to respond quickly with available resources. While this happens, we will continue to strengthen our plans for this next great gathering of #CFAConcretePros in Charleston, South Carolina, July 23-25. As we get into summer months, we will either be assured of having a safe physical environment for us all to gather at, or we will have an alternative plan of action that will, by that point, have been put together from rational, considerate contemplation.