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How should business leaders manage the return to work?
As workplaces reopen, how should leaders manage the return to work?
Well, let me start by saying that first, return is not a date, it's a muscle. We've seen cities with the tightest of rules and disciplines experience a second or third wave of the coronavirus. Indeed, Melbourne and Hong Kong bring this life today, for all of us. Therefore, it's not a question of announcing a date for return and saying everything is done. Instead, it's about a process, one that will have a series of ups and downs. In fact, two steps forward, one step or more back, maybe the story of our times. We need to be able to live with disruption as usual and respond with a tailored, relevant set of actions.
As one CEO said to me, "it's really a combination of fast twitch and slow twitch." Fast twitch characteristics include the willingness to change plans and adjust based on refreshed data and insights. Slow twitch features include managing fundamental shifts that must impact the long term thinking of any business. And indeed, this will be the true test of leadership. After all, for many, this has been the real leadership moment for business leaders everywhere.
European view on Russia allegations; how Sweden is faring
Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective from Europe (specifically, from Croatia at the moment):
What's been the European reaction to the allegations in the US that Russia has been paying Taliban for attacking US forces?
Well, I think the reaction has been fairly limited, and I think one reason for that is that I doubt very much that European governments or relevant agencies have been briefed on this particular piece of intelligence. And until it's sorted out, what is the reality behind it? I don't think you will see very much of a European reaction.
How is Sweden, among other countries, faring when now Europe is gradually opening up?
Well in all of the countries, it isn't opening up, no question about that, but it is limited, it is careful. There's a fair amount of apprehension that there might be an outbreak or there might be a fallback or there might be new problems. So far, I think the European opening up, including Sweden, is working reasonably okay, but a lot of nervousness.
Video: Joe Biden allegations, US unemployment data, reopening vs lockdowns
What is the latest with the Tara Reade allegations against Joe Biden?
Tara Reade canceled an appearance scheduled for TV this morning. She now says any complaint she may have filed with the Senate 27 years ago does not include sexual harassment. Biden flatly denied it. I'm not sure it goes any further without more corroborating evidence.
Why is the April jobs report so important and what is the US going to do about it?
It's important because it will show the massive coronavirus hit, something like 20 million jobs lost. Unemployment rate nearing 20%. Not sure the US is going to do much of anything about it right away except squabble in Congress over another relief package that may take a while to deliver.
Are we successfully reopening states? Or are we headed for further lockdowns?
Too soon to say. We need another 10 days or so, given the incubation period for COVID-19, to see if there are new spread's, new outbreaks. If there are, and it's a possibility, we are headed for a new lockdown. So, it's a dangerous moment for some states.