“When the going gets tough, the tough get going”

As this old yet relevant proverb suggests, resilience is what distinguishes stronger individuals from the rest. Resilience refers to the essential human ability or capacity to bend in the face of adversities and setbacks, only to spring right back up. But, it also expands to include adaptability, agility, long-term thinking, and a strong sense of purpose. All of these, when applied to organizations and leaders, can result in meaningful growth, clarity, and consistent performance.

Our work with leaders as well as our personal experiences has taught us that some individuals are naturally more resilient compared to others, but fortunately, each of us has our own reserve of resilience stored within. All we need to do is tap into it. Therefore, the question one must look deeper into is how can resilience be nurtured and brought to life?

‘My barn having burned down. I can now see the moon.’ - Mizuta Masahide (17th-century Japanese poet)

In a crisis, especially like the current one, distress, failures, and pressures may seem inevitable. But leaders who demonstrate resilience are able to view adversities as an opportunity for growth, trying something new, and for learnings. The focus is not on the magnitude of disruption, but on the hidden possibilities enabled by it.

A change in mindset is one of the first, and also the most impactful, steps to build resilience. This is brought into effect by being self-aware and training oneself to look at challenging situations from a different perspective. Everyone can see the resignation of a valued employee as a loss, but those who foster resilient thinking will also recognize it as an opportunity to bring new talent, therefore fresher perspectives, on board. Cultivating a positive mindset is key to resilience.

Championing Change

Resilient leaders are not just open to external changes around them but also willing to change themselves. This openness is critical for self-improvement as well as collective growth. To build resilience, leaders must consider frequently asking for feedback, demonstrating a strong inclination to continuously improve their own skills and abilities. Through regular self-reflection and assessment, one naturally becomes more aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and therefore, more adept at using it to the advantage of personal, professional, and organizational development.

Bringing Your Heart and Mind to Work

When talking about resilience it is necessary to look at the whole picture. While strengthening the mind is critical, we cannot afford to overlook the importance of leading with your heart. High engagement within teams requires equal amounts of passion and purpose. To enable this, leaders must demonstrate empathy and encourage people to openly express their feelings - fears and anxieties included. No doubt, leading from the heart requires courage but it is the only way to truly understand, and therefore, form strong bonds with those you lead. The capacity to express empathy and build genuine connections with employees and customers is an irreplaceable pillar of resilience.

The Role of Resilience

While building resilience is essential to leadership, especially in a crisis, its impact is not restricted to organizational roles alone. Learning and practicing resilience extends into each one of our life roles, whether personal or professional. Thus, allowing us to further our individual purpose even in a world filled with ambiguity.