Hi, today my topic is about how the pandemic magnifies the virtue of the human condition. This idea came from the recent global experience with COVID-19. I want to explore what a pandemic is and how it brings out the best in humanity. By looking at different events, organizations, and individuals, we can see how communities and families came together to support each other. Without the force of a pandemic, some of these qualities might not have surfaced so clearly.
My outline will cover:
- What is a pandemic?
- The virtue theory and human nature
- An example: Ford Motor Company’s response
- The purpose and core values of an organization
- Open Q&A
What is a Pandemic?
The classic definition of a pandemic does not necessarily include immunity, the virus itself, or the severity of the disease. It is simply an epidemic that occurs worldwide, crossing geographic and international boundaries and impacting a significant number of people.
While many discussions focus on the economic effects of the pandemic—such as market downturns and financial losses—that is not my focus today. Instead, I want to highlight the acts of kindness, support, and resilience that emerged from individuals and organizations. Understanding these elements can give us a better perspective on the human condition and the values that guide us.
The Virtue Theory and Human Nature
Organizations are, at their core, groups of people working together toward a common purpose. Any organization consists of people, processes, technologies, leadership, results, and values. While financial performance and products are important, the people within an organization are the real driving force.
When we talk about business agility, we often reference frameworks and processes, but today I want to focus on the virtue of people. Many successful organizations embody virtues such as respect, integrity, innovation, and accountability. These values are not just statements on paper—they are embedded in the organization's culture and actions.
What is Virtue?
Virtue theory is based on the idea of focusing on being good and taking the right actions. Aristotle defined virtue as "doing the right thing at the right time in the right way and in the right amount, toward the right people." While this seems simple, it is difficult in practice. It requires judgment, experience, and wisdom.
True virtue is not something learned from books alone—it is gained through experience. People who are virtuous instinctively know what to do in different situations. We all know someone like that—perhaps a parent, a mentor, or a colleague—who always seems to have the right judgment. For me, that person was my father. He always knew how to handle himself, how to react, and how to make the right decisions. I learned from him, and I continue to strive toward the same level of wisdom.
Developing Virtue
Virtue is developed through habits and practice. In the agile community, we often use the principle of "See one, do one, teach one, be one." The best way to develop virtue is by observing and learning from those who practice it, then applying it ourselves.
Organizations, like individuals, can develop virtue by embedding values into their actions. Some companies naturally demonstrate virtue in everything they do. Their mission is clear, and their actions align with their purpose. People trust these organizations because they know their intentions are good.
The Golden Mean
Aristotle described virtue as the golden mean between two extremes—excess and deficiency. Finding balance is crucial, whether as an individual or an organization. This balance comes from experience and a deep understanding of one's purpose. Moral responsibility plays a key role—if you can do something good, you are obligated to do it.
The Nature of Humanity
Human beings are naturally social creatures, part of a larger society. We have an inherent desire to be virtuous. In general, humans are good. While there are exceptions, the overall nature of humanity is built on cooperation and kindness.
Aristotle described the pinnacle of humanity as eudaimonia—a life well-lived. To achieve this, we must pursue purpose, mastery, and continuous improvement. Whether we are software engineers, leaders, or any other profession, striving to be the best at what we do brings fulfillment.
Ford Motor Company: A Case Study in Virtue
One example of an organization demonstrating virtue during the pandemic is Ford Motor Company. When COVID-19 struck, many organizations scrambled to figure out how to help. For Ford, it came naturally because they had already built a culture of service and responsibility.
Ford's mission is not just about profitability—it is about providing mobility and serving humanity. This long-standing commitment positioned them well to step in during the crisis. They quickly partnered with 3M and GE to manufacture ventilators, face shields, masks, and other medical equipment. They didn’t hesitate; they acted because it aligned with their core values.
The Transformation Behind Ford’s Response
Ford’s ability to respond effectively wasn’t accidental. It was the result of years of transformation. Historically, Ford has stepped up in times of crisis, but in recent years, they have continuously evolved their organization.
Some key elements of Ford’s transformation include:
- Focusing on lean principles and value-driven approaches
- Shifting from a project-based model to a product-based model
- Developing business capabilities and understanding customer experience
- Changing the internal culture to foster agility and responsiveness
- Creating a long-term behavioral shift toward innovation
- Building a resilient, anti-fragile organization
Ford also invested in key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurements to assess product impact and value. They built a self-sustaining change management community to drive continuous improvement. The organization embraced a learning mindset, constantly running experiments to identify the best path forward.
By embedding virtue into their operations, Ford was able to respond to the pandemic with agility and purpose. It wasn’t about following a specific framework—it was about focusing on outcomes and aligning their actions with their values.
Final Thoughts
The pandemic has magnified the virtue of the human condition, revealing the best in people and organizations. It has shown us that businesses are not just about profits and products—they are about people and purpose.
As individuals, we must ask ourselves: How can we bring more virtue into our lives, our teams, and our organizations? It starts with us. By striving for excellence, embracing continuous learning, and acting with purpose, we can create a better world.
Thank you for your time. I hope this discussion has given you something to think about. Let’s continue the conversation—what can you do today to take yourself, your team, or your organization to the next level?