ATB’s Chief Economist Todd Hirsch and Deputy Chief Economist Rob Roach have written a follow-up to their 2017 book Spiders in Space: Successfully Adapting to Unwanted Change called Spiders in COVID Space: Adapting During and After the Pandemic.

Drawing on inspirational stories of adapting to difficult situations—including the pandemic—the books identify a number of adaptive traits that can help make the difference between being battered by the lemons life throws at us and turning them into lemonade.

If you are interested in learning about the traits and how you can apply them to your business, organization or personal situation, Todd and Rob are doing a free webinar on April 27 that you can register for here.

The following is an excerpt from Spiders in COVID Space that highlights the fundamental importance of strong relationships and strong communities to the adaptive process.

“Because successful adapters care deeply about what they are doing and the people for whom they are doing it, they don’t feel comfortable waiting around for something to happen. They act fast and decisively, even if that means they make mistakes. They accept that the setbacks and associated stress are as integral to the process as the accomplishments and moments of joy they take make sure to celebrate along the way. At the centre of all of this are the relationships adapters establish—relationships reinforced by mutual trust, empathy and active listening.

In this way, successfully adapting to unwanted change is inextricably linked to our role as community members and community builders. It often requires self-reliance and a willingness to break from the pack, but it’s a supportive community that often makes the difference between success and failure. As a result, the no. 1 thing we can do if we want to prepare for unwanted change is build strong relationships and strong communities. It’s these anchors that prevent us from being smashed on the rocks when we encounter life’s many storms.”

Answer to the previous trivia question: According to thedrive.com, the most expensive street legal car that will be manufactured in 2021 is the Pagani Huayra Tricolore at $US6.5 million. The second most expensive is the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport at $US3.6 million.

Today’s trivia question:  On a recent episode of The Future Of podcast, Todd and Rob discuss what the spiders in space metaphor is all about. How do spiders in space relate to adapting? Listen to the episode here to learn more.