Choose to be a Resilient Leader

As human beings, we can expect to face challenges, adversity, disappointment, and even failure at times in our lives.  As leaders, we often face these events with an audience, with people who depend on us to see them through to the other side, and with the knowledge that our attitudes, choices, and actions will likely set the tone for all who follow us.  

Resilient leaders demonstrate courage as well as the ability to regroup and carry on when they encounter obstacles.  They are often more nimble and able to quickly pivot to more productive and regenerative pursuits.  They are less likely to become mired down by negativity, participate in destructive behavior, or blame others for their circumstances.  Even if the outcome is not what they hoped for or it does not work in their favor, they are able to recover more quickly and forge a new path.  It does not mean that they do not experience a myriad of emotions in response to hardship, it means they are able to process their feelings more quickly and refocus their energy in positive ways.

If you have attended leadership training at Cascade, you will know how important it is to develop a strong sense of self-awareness as a leader.  It means knowing who you are, where you want to go, and what you hope to achieve as you chart your new path.  Resilience is a skill that is developed over time and resilient leaders develop the fortitude to come out on the other side of adversity stronger than before.  

At the first sign of trouble, it may be tempting to turn tail and head for the hills.  Leaders do not become resilient by giving up.  Instead, they sally forth through discomfort to seek new possibilities.  Failures do not need to be the end to reaching goals and aspirations; rather, they are inconvenient setbacks that might even create new opportunities for success in the end.  Resilience is driven by perspective.  The impact we perceive events have on us as leaders will often play out as expected.  In other words, leaders take their lumps but hope for the best and use the experience to do better next time. 

Even if circumstances are beyond their control or someone else is entirely to blame, resilient leaders take accountability for their own circumstances and the part they play.  They focus their efforts positively by seeking solutions and putting strategies in place to avoid the same mistakes in the future.  Resilient leaders do not rely on scapegoats and seek to maintain positive relationships.  They focus on teamwork and collaboration to solve problems and find solutions but not at the expense of making decisions, delivering negative feedback, or even delivering bad news when necessary. 

Even the most resilient leaders experience stress that can have a serious impact on mental well-being.  When they feel their fortitude slipping, resilient leaders will take the necessary steps to care for their own health and personal wellness.  It is easy to delay catering to these needs; however, resilient leaders know the value of self-care and make it a priority as it is a key factor to maintain their ability to press on.  They also recognize the need to check in with colleagues and team members to gauge their overall well-being and morale and ensure they are coping well and receiving the support they need to remain productive.

Resilience is a skill that is honed and developed through time and practice.  It is a mindset that is created as leaders face hardship and find new paths when obstacles are too big to overcome.  Resilience doesn't mean they slay dragons and come out of every fight the victor.  Instead, resilient leaders develop the strength, courage, and determination to face uncertainty knowing that whatever happens, they will make it through to the other side.