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Embrace the Future or Restore the Past?

Written by Dr Sergio Pellegrinelli | 16/06/20 08:30

The Covid-19 pandemic is fundamentally changing how we live and work, and revealing what we truly value as human beings. As the weeks of tapering restrictions extend with no clear end in sight, the increasing desire of most people is a return to normality. 

The talk is of a ‘new’ normal. How this ‘new’ normal might evolve is the subject of continued speculation. What is clear is that the pandemic is a major discontinuity – accelerating some trends and abruptly halting others. We are adapting and questioning previously taken for granted assumptions and ways of doing things.

Some are encouraging politicians to reimagine, and to work towards, a new reality. Others though, may urge a return to the way things were. They may demand that past commitments be honoured, that old business models and technologies be supported, and that patterns of public intervention and support be restored and improved. This whitepaper explores some difficult choices facing the Government.

 

 

This is one of four articles written by Sergio surrounding certain issues faced in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, read also: 

Seizing Opportunities: Unconventional Responses for Unprecedented Situations
Dealing with Risks: Shortfalls in Responses
Supporting Economic Recovery: Targeted Interventions or Macro-Economic Stimuli?

 

About the Author

Dr Sergio Pellegrinelli is a visiting fellow at Cranfield School of Management and is an experienced consultant and lecturer specialising in strategy and programme management. Sergio has over 20 years' experience as a management consultant, and his current and recent clients include Atkins, Biffa Waste Services, British Nuclear Group, Ericsson, ING, Lloyds TSB, Oracle Corporation, Quintiles and Royal and Sun Alliance. His consulting work ranges from traditional analytical consulting interventions to tailored management development aimed at embedding new skills and/or effecting change within organisations. Sergio facilitates strategy formulation processes, contributing both ideas and the strategy frameworks, and helps managers to design and undertake strategy implementation programmes, M&A integrations and complex organisational change initiatives.