March 27, 2020: While the initial pandemic response was fast-paced, there remained a need for steady and even leadership. Consistent communication was key. Also key was affirming that, while much had been and would continue to be disrupted, we needed to find consistency in our daily lives.
Being in command is the most challenging and rewarding tour of a military career. My last US Coast Guard tour was as both Commander, Sector Columbia River and Commanding Officer, Air Station Astoria. I was in command from June 2018 to August 2021 and it was during this tour that the Covid-19 pandemic struck. As we all know it changed our lives in the most fundamental of ways.
While many companies were able to adopt a remote work strategy, the Armed Forces were required to continue to provide in-person response services while moving non-mission critical activities to a remote environment. While we continued to operate in siloed teams, the unit could no longer meet all together, in person. I recognized I would need to find another way to connect with my over 500 unit members.
I would need to find a new way to communicate. Leading without meeting, establishing a connection and creating a common bond with each of the over 500 members, was my new challenge. How was I going to lead without being able to meet in person? I took to the written word to not only communicate professional updates but also to connect with members on a personal level.
These thoughts were on my mind when I wrote the following to my unit.
March 27, 2020: My fellow Americans
My fellow Americans,
As you all know CG C4IT is under a tremendous strain. I prefer to use AWS for my ‘All Hands’ updates because I know how much we all like to get email. And then read the email. But I’m thinking many others are adopting similar strategies and the system crashed on Friday. So this update is a little delayed. A distributed workforce does not need to be a disconnected workforce. I will attempt new ways to ensure we’re communicating. That said … here is what I wanted to pass along last Friday.
Well, that was another wild week as we continue to adapt to our new normal. Policy changes daily and we send info to COs, OICs, and Department Heads for them to pass along. My intent is to force comms from top down and bottom up. We need to be in constant contact (that’s catchy, is there a trademark on that?). We’re going old school when a phone was used to call someone, was able to ‘hang up,’ and texting required pushing the 2 button twice to get a ‘b’. The Sector and MSU LDACs are combining forces to ensure information is centralized and distributed to all the Sector sub-units. Let me know how well we’re meeting or missing your needs as we learn how to adapt with our changing circumstances. Don’t forget to check out www.uscg.mil/coronavirus and look at the FAQ. They are keeping that page current and it has a slew of info.
The other day when I got home my nearly 15 year old greeted me with a karate-style, straight legged kick. I assumed the Boarding Officer stance, knees slightly apart and bent, one arm extended palm facing out, “Son, for your safety and mine, stand back!” and inquired as to his intentions. “If my leg can touch you, you’re too close. Social Distancing DAD!” It got me thinking, what are other members doing when they get home to minimize their loved one’s exposure? Preventing family exposure is on every one’s minds. I hope we’re frequently washing our hands, being mindful of the tools we touch, and maybe even delaying hugging our kids when we get home until after we’ve washed our hands. I know my loved ones are my motivation and that I’m not alone with that mindset. Talk with your families about their concerns; find ways to change behaviors to minimize the risks inherent in our personal interactions.
Continue to check in on each other. Pick up groceries for your high-risk friend or neighbor. Exercise, eat nutritious meals, and be mindful in your daily lives. And by all means, don’t forget to call Mom this weekend. She wants to hear from you, too.
With admiration,
Your Sector Commander