On, Saturday, 21 August 2020, the URI Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region gathered virtually for the 19th session of the URI Cultural Café. The theme was "How to deal with change in your work and in your life." Participants discussed methods for dealing with changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and shared examples of positive changes from their lives. In a turbulent time, the gathering brought a valuable perspective and strengthened the bonds of interfaith community.
From the organizers:
In the first part of the session, we discussed how to prepare yourself for changes imposed by COVID-19 and shared successful stories of dealing with challenges resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Then we watched "Who Moved My Cheese?", a film that inspires an amazing way to deal with change in our professional and personal lives.
Major takeaways:
Participants shared good changes in their lifestyles developed during COVID-19, including:
- Building up new knowledge - reading and researching
- Walking/hiking - connecting with nature
- Practice exercises / sportive activities in your backyard or room to keep fit.
- Learning new skills - handicrafts such as embroidery
- Farming and raising backyard chickens
- Developing good personal hygiene habits, including physical distancing
Major takeaways from the film "Who Moved my Cheese"
- Change happens; we need to accept that change is inevitable. Organizations need to constantly update their offerings.
- We need to anticipate change; some participants highlighted the mistakes made by Nokia that led to its deterioration, particularly ignoring market changes and sticking with old systems. Also, Kodak was another example discussed. It missed opportunities in digital photography, and stuck with old technology that destroyed its market leadership.
- We need to monitor change and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- We need to adapt to change quickly. Change or die!
- We should enjoy change.
