Managing Organisations During the COVID-19 Vortex

An extraordinary collection of highly relevant insights from people with deep knowledge and experience. The range of perspectives will help all managers and business leaders to play their part more effectively in keeping our economy alive at this frightful time.” — Ian Mann consults internationally on strategy, and reviews business books for Fin24 and 702

“How rapidly the world around us has changed. The unimaginable is now our new reality. The COVID-19 pandemic, scripted like a B-grade Hollywood movie, has brought seismic shifts to the status quo. When the noise subsides and the dust settles, the world will go on. By compiling relevant and inciteful perspectives from leading South African thought leaders, Wilhelm Crous has provided some sense to it all – the sense that every manager needs to navigate through these turbulent times.” — James Scott CA (SA), Publisher and Editor, BusinessBrief and bbrief

“A global pandemic is not normal business disruption. It threatens workforce directly. It requires strong leadership, extensive set of activities to assess the risk, stress test pandemic plans and put people first – safe, productive and engaged. This book will be a valuable resource for leaders during unprecedented times.” — Jeanett Modise, Chief Executive: Human Resources, Sanlam Limited

“The multitudinous impact of COVID-19 forces humans to reconnect. An insightful read on a vortex of socio-economic impact and counter strategies grounded on rekindling neglected intra- and interpersonal relationships, novel depictions of leadership agility, reflections on breaking down walls of work and revaluing the power of organisational culture.” — Prof Daneel van Lill, Executive Dean: College for Business & Economics, University of Johannesburg

“This book contains valuable insights and guidance for leaders in dealing with this unprecedented global crisis that we find ourselves in.” — Parmi Natesan, CEO, Institute of Directors in South Africa

“As business leaders struggle to come to terms with managing their organisations through this vortex, it is heartening to see a great team of specialists coming together in the spirit of Ubuntu to share their perspectives and ideas on how to plan for this new world of work.” — Ronnie Toerien, HCM Strategy Leader, Oracle

“‘Never let a good crisis go to waste.’ Covid-19 is an unprecedented crisis that is altering lives and economies. Managing during the Covid-19 Vortex is filled with pearls of wisdom to help leaders and their teams successfully negotiate their way to a post-COVID-19 era.” — Dr Jerry Gule, CEO, Institute of People Management (IPM)

“A timely publication, at a time during which the world scrambles for complex, adaptive and multi-level approaches to solving a global crisis. On the regional and local levels, the crisis also highlights the systemic faultlines in our current systems, including our human technologies. This publication provides good insights and perspectives into many new and constructive ways of working and adapting in times of crises.” — Prof Kurt April, Allan Gray Endowed Chair, University of Cape Town

"An extraordinary effort to sustain and empower those who have to lead and manage in the face of the physical, social and economic trauma inflicted by Covid-19. This book may well guide its readers to move beyond post-traumatic stress, to post-traumatic growth." — Prof Freddie Crous, Head: Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg

“There’s really no doubt that we are facing the biggest crisis of our generation. Unfortunately, we don’t have the luxury to throw our collective hands up in despair. We need to lead. This book helps us to do just that.” — Siphiwe Moyo: International Speaker, Facilitator and Author of #STAGNATIONMUSTFALL: 100 practical lessons that will activate your career progression

“This is the book for the moment. We all need to find a path through this Covid-19 pandemic: to ensure our organisations survive, to help us do the best possible job in working from home, and to support ourselves and our families through this crisis. In Managing Organisations Through the Covid-19 Vortex Wilhelm Crous has pulled together some of best thinkers and writers in South African business to help us. No matter who you are, if you work in business, you need this book right now.” — Sarah Arnot Mulhern, Managing Partner, Woodburn Mann Leadership Science Institute and Author of Find Your Focus: Five Steps to your Best Year Ever