GAINING NIMBLENESS: HOW THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE DLE

The declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago brought about huge changes in the workplace, as well as for the DLE.

Prior to the start of lockdowns in March 2020, DLE programming was exclusively in person. “As it quickly became apparent that social distancing, masks and stay-home orders were the new norm, we lost no time adjusting our operations to keep members connected,” recalls DLE Founder Linda Dulye.

In less than two weeks, volunteer DLE members joined Linda in redesigning programs for a newly purchased Go-To-Meeting platform. “Members stepped up to create and facilitate new offerings at no charge. This included a casual, conversational Friday morning program called Coffee Chat, which became an instant magnet, uniting newcomers and long-time members. With pandemic-driven topics–such as surviving loneliness and creating a work-from-home routine–dozens logged on to exchange helpful tips, share frustrations and build much-needed bonds.

As word-of-mouth spread through attendees, and programming increased to include skills courses, wellness coaching and even a movie premiere, attendance grew as well, swelling to more than 300 newcomers. “It became common for multi-generational, west coast attendees to set early alarms to join 8 AM ET Coffee Chats. We welcomed new faces from the UK, Turkey and across the globe. Everyone shared a common need for camaraderie and relief from the stress of lockdown,” notes Linda. “The unique and unmatched diversity of the DLE swelled. Members represented more than 25 states and countries and came from more than 50 industries.” 

2020 ended with 66 programs delivered at no cost to attendees–four times more than any other year since the DLE’s founding in 2008. Another pandemic-inspired resource to promote professional development was the DLE YouTube platform, which has expanded since 2020 to 115 videos and podcasts for fee-free, on-demand consumption. In addition to the monthly DLE HUB newsletter, a DLE Holiday Kitchen Traditions Cookbook was published with home-grown recipes from the DLE’s culturally diverse member community.

Remote-only programming continued through 2021. During 2022, DLE programming shifted again. Eases in pandemic restrictions prompted a move to hybrid experiences. Flexing nimbleness in planning and production operations, the DLE supplemented virtual workshops and topical roundtables with a return to in-person practices that included coaching sessions in the DLE HQ and civic outreach projects with Berkshire nonprofits and service organizations.

“The nimbleness, creativity and resilience that defined the DLE’s operations through the first year of the pandemic reflected the nimbleness that we coached members to adopt to keep themselves productive and upbeat during those daunting, unprecedented times. The organization remained a rock-solid source of inspiration and support,” adds Linda.