"I never anticipated our business would bounce back this swiftly. It's genuinely encouraging. Yet, why am I not overwhelmed with relief?" pondered a highranking executive during a recent conversation with me.

As governments ease restrictions and kickstart the economy, businesses find themselves in the aftermath of the Covid-19 chaos. Outwardly, it's all about resuming regular activities, rebooting operations, and returning to offices, manufacturing hubs, and retail spaces. Here in Europe, where I reside and numerous countries are on the path of reopening, the swift pace of resurgence and the swift return to pre-pandemic life has caught many leaders off-guard.

Yet, beneath this facade, unrest persists. One would naturally assume leaders to be riding high on the wave of success as the stresses from the pandemic's peak phase dissipate. However, the reality is a blend of emotions – optimism intertwined with feelings of withdrawal, a sense of loss, and prevailing doubts. Even for those at the helm who've successfully steered their ship through the storm, the overwhelming sentiment is not relief but its conspicuous absence.

How can leaders and their teams anticipate and confront the fresh hurdles the recovery phase throws their way?

Embracing the Changed Landscape In my recent dialogues with executives and their teams about their tryst with resurgence, a trio of insights stands out:

The fleeting silver linings the pandemic ushered in are now fading. The agility in decision-making, streamlined meetings, straightforward and consistent communication, the autonomy over one's daily schedule and the option to work remotely, and the genuine camaraderie within teams.