HomeResearch & Knowledgeback to HomeLeadershipback to Research & KnowledgeHow not to be a hostage to COVID-19: Episode 1back to Leadership

Video

How not to be a hostage to COVID-19: Episode 1

Looking beyond what you see

By George Kohlrieser

5 min.

March 2020

Leading in Turbulent Times. This is an episode in the miniseries How not to be a hostage to COVID-19. Psychologist George Kohlrieser, IMD Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behaviour, brings his long experience as a hostage negotiator to the table. He provides practical advice for getting past fear and worry, helping us to retake a position of power and refusing to become a psychological hostage to the COVID-19 crisis.

In episode one, “Looking beyond what you see”, Professor Kohlrieser explains the sense of powerlessness we feel and how it might affect our mindset and emotions. He encourages us to focus on the present and understand perceptions…what he calls the ‘mind’s eye.’ Kohlrieser reminds us that it is important to avoid denial, but on the same token we must manage to keep calm and have control over our mindset by focusing on the present reality. Emotions guide the mind’s eye; if you feel grief or sadness, take a deep breath and come back to a state of joy in an authentic way.

Seeing beyond what your eyes can see and imagining the opportunities that could appear in the future will help you stay positive. This will allow you to provide leadership in this time of crisis, rather than becoming a hostage to COVID-19—or your own fears.

To view all videos, please visit our Leading in Turbulent Times page here.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Keep reading

Case Study

HP Amplify Impact A: Channeling partners for change

Sustainability Leadership

By Heather Cairns-Lee, Julia Katharina Binder and Valerie Keller-Birrer

Podcast

“We were so scared of our IPO”: Leaders Unplugged with former On-CEO Marc Maurer - IbyIMD

ON’s Marc Maurer shares how purpose, humility, and bold choices fueled the brand’s rise—from anti-metaverse to IPO—in this inspiring leadership talk.

Innovation Leadership Strategy

By Alyson Meister and Marc Maurer

in I by IMD

Article

Mind games: How to train your brain like you would your body

According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1tn each year, predominantly from reduced productivity.  Here are six simple habits, taken from design thinker Vishakha Singh’s SHIFT methodology, to train...

Leadership

By I by IMD

in I by IMD Brain Circuits

8 July 2025

Article

Eight lessons to navigate career growth - Susanne Hundsbæk-Pedersen

Susanne Hundsbæk-Pedersen, Global Head of Pharma Technical Operations at Roche, shares how she has navigated the various pivots in her career, and the importance of curiosity, optimism and energy.

Entrepreneurial Talent - Boundary Spanners

Entrepreneurial talent who work with other teams often run into trouble with their managers. Here are ways to get the most out of your ‘boundary spanners’.

Prevent Employee Burnout - Growth Mindset

Stress can trigger fixed thinking and fear-driven reactions that accelerate employee burnout. Learn how to shift to a growth mindshift and break the cycle.

Leadership Talent Management

By Susan Goldsworthy

in I by IMD

Article

As vantagens de ter geografias diversas no alto escalão

Despite geopolitical upheavals that threaten global growth, companies continue to see business opportunities across borders. As leaders strategize how to position their operations amid war, trade disputes, disease outbreaks, and climate change, ha...

Leadership Talent Management

By Niccolò Pisani and Ivy Buche

in MIT Sloan Management Review Brasil

1 July 2025

Article

Why Mark Zuckerberg and Meta can’t build the future

Last week, a notification flashed. “Add your email address for extra security,” my phone chirped. It was from WhatsApp. I stared at the screen, a single question forming in my mind: Security? Or surveillance? I tapped “No.” The feeling wasn’t ange...

Strategy Leadership

By Howard H. Yu

in The Star

1 July 2025

Article

Tell me more: How to boost your leadership skills by learning instead of directing

Boost performance by embracing learning instead of directing. Use this checklist to assess your approach and discover how asking questions strengthens leadership.

Leadership

By Sunita Sehmi

in I by IMD

HP Amplify Impact B: From launch to legacy

By Julia Katharina Binder and Heather Cairns-Lee
Case reference: IMD-2695

Summary

The B case outlines how, by early 2025, Isabella Phoenix's initial vision for HP's Amplify Impact sustainability program had grown into a global initiative involving 4,800 partners in 48 countries. The program surpassed its goals, enrolling 59 of HP partners vs. a 50 target and contributing to billions of dollars in sustainability-influenced sales. Key to its success were tools like a clear self-assessment, a rich resource hub and a focus on voluntary engagement rather than financial incentives building true partnerships instead of transactional relationships. Partners gained credibility and competitive advantage, and the program was supported strongly by HP leadership and recognized with major awards. However, as Phoenix and senior leaders prepared to leave the company, the program faced challenges: rising competitor initiatives, shifting political attitudes toward ESG and internal leadership transitions. The central question became whether HP could sustain and evolve Amplify Impact's momentum and values in this uncertain environment.

Reference IMD-2695

Organization Hewlett-Packard

Industry Information Technology

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Sustainability

Leadership

Browse all topics

HP Amplify Impact A: Channeling partners for change

By Heather Cairns-Lee Julia Katharina Binder and Valerie Keller-Birrer
Case reference: IMD-2681 ©2025

Summary

The A case in this two-part series outlines the challenges Isabella Phoenix faced in designing a global sustainability program for HP's vast network of channel partners in just 12 weeks with only one team member and limited resources. The initiative aimed to help embed sustainability in HP global partners' strategies, many of whom lacked the resources or expertise to tackle sustainability alone. Phoenix faced the dual challenge of inspiring internal buy-in and engaging thousands of independent partners many of them small or midsize businesses with limited capacity. The voluntary program, built around HP's Sustainable Impact priorities of climate action, human rights, and digital equity and community, aimed to educate and empower partners without relying on traditional financial incentives. Instead, it encouraged commitment through practical tools and self-assessments and integrating sustainability into commercial deals. Despite the absence of rebates or rewards, the program sought to transform HP's ecosystem into a purpose-driven movement, proving that shared values and long-term impact could unite a diverse, global network.

Reference IMD-2681

Organization Hewlett-Packard

Industry Information Technology

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Sustainability

Leadership

Browse all topics

“We were so scared of our IPO”: Leaders Unplugged with former On-CEO Marc Maurer - IbyIMD

By Alyson Meister and Marc Maurer
in I by IMD

Summary

ON’s Marc Maurer shares how purpose, humility, and bold choices fueled the brand’s rise—from anti-metaverse to IPO—in this inspiring leadership talk.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Innovation

Leadership

Strategy

Browse all topics

As vantagens de ter geografias diversas no alto escalão

By Niccolò Pisani and Ivy Buche
in MIT Sloan Management Review Brasil 1 July 2025

Summary

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Leadership

Talent Management

Browse all topics

Why Mark Zuckerberg and Meta can’t build the future

By Howard H. Yu
in The Star 1 July 2025

Summary

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Strategy

Leadership

Browse all topics