What are the best practices for Program Managers to develop resilience?

Learning from past conflict, adversity and trauma can transform one to move from SOS to SRSR! Self Reflection Strengthens Resiliency Treena

Self awareness plays a very important role in helping people build resilience. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses but few people reflect are become self aware about the same. Knowing your weaknesses can help you identify the triggers which may lead to cause emotional disturbance, anxiety and stress. Once you become aware of them, you can start working on managing those triggers effectively which in turn will help manage negative emotions and build resilience. Being self aware helps you understand what happens to you in adverse situations and more importantly, why it happens to you! Armed with this knowledge, you can understand your body better which, in the long run, helps build resilience

In a high-pressure project, a team leader practicing self-awareness noticed escalating stress levels. Reflecting on emotional cues, they acknowledged challenges in delegating tasks. Through self-awareness, they developed a coping strategy, seeking mentorship on effective delegation. Regular reflections helped monitor progress. The outcome was a resilient leader who not only navigated stress but also enhanced delegation skills, contributing to project success. Self-awareness fosters resilience, enabling individuals to address challenges, learn, and grow in professional settings.

Here are some ways to develop resilience as a program manager: (1) Increase your physical and mental well-being by getting enough sleep, exercise, and mindfulness. (2) Challenge your assumptions and learn from feedback and failures. (3) Savor the positive aspects of your work and practice gratitude for your achievements and opportunities. (4) Build social connections and trust with your team, stakeholders, and mentors. (5) Align your work with a meaningful purpose and vision that inspires you and others. (6) Seek learning opportunities and develop new skills and competencies. These practices can help you enhance your leadership capabilities, cope with stress, and turn challenges into opportunities for positive change.

Program management demands both technical skills and emotional intelligence. Typically, we hone our technical abilities before developing emotional intelligence. While self-awareness is crucial in both areas, lacking emotional maturity can lead to misjudging one’s limitations. Cultivating self-awareness should begin early in one’s development and education. In my experience, the most perilous program managers aren't those with limited field knowledge, but those who overestimate their own abilities.

A growth mindset encourages you to look at challenges as opportunities to learn, setbacks as opportunities to make a bigger comeback and failure as FAIL( First Attempt Into Learning). A growth mindset helps you quickly move from your reactive brain to your smart brain, where you can find solutions to problems, be creative and innovative and take appropriate decisions faster. A growth mindset enables you to focus your energy on what you can control thereby improving the outcome in any situation

How we see things, our mindset, our perspective can make or break products, programs and teams. It's good to be grounded while aspiring for great heights. Easier said than done. With experience, and learning to understand how to receive feedback and what to do with it is crucial. Also, we must make the feedback loop fast and smooth.

In my program management approach, I embrace a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for innovation and learning. Feedback is a cornerstone, not just for personal development but also for refining strategies. My commitment to continuous learning ensures I stay ahead in a dynamic industry. I tackle setbacks with resilience, viewing them as vital learning experiences. Fostering a similar mindset within my team, I encourage an environment of learning and open dialogue. Regular reflection and celebrating every small win are key practices, emphasizing progress in our journey. This growth mindset is more than a strategy; it's the foundation of my approach, fuelling adaptation, innovation, and success.

Throughout the virus, I had to keep operations going. I did so through visible and audible presence, listening to my staff and subordinate leaders, and providing solutions to move us forward. As the days wore on, I had days when I was simply tired of it all, but I knew how much they counted on me, so I saddled up and rode at the front.

Managing energy involves prioritizing tasks, taking breaks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Program managers who effectively manage their energy can sustain focus, reduce burnout, and enhance their ability to navigate challenges, contributing to overall resilience.

In program management, managing energy is as vital as overseeing timelines and budgets. It's about aligning demanding tasks with peak productivity periods and valuing rest and reflection to avoid burnout. I focus on creating an environment where mental well-being is prioritized, and regular breaks are encouraged. Open communication about workload and stress ensures tasks are evenly distributed, preventing overwhelm. This approach to energy management fosters a dynamic, innovative team, not just busy, but productive and fulfilled. It's a key philosophy for sustainable success in program management.

Great leaders surround themselves with people who are better and smarter than them across a range of disciplines. They provide clear guidance, and then have the wisdom to let their teams exceed expectations.

When you are down, it is your support network that can provide you with help that can re energize you to bounce back. Your support network can be your family, friends, work colleagues or others from different fields. Just as you have a support network, be a part of someone else’s support network also. Nurture your support network regularly.

Building a robust support network is vital. It's a team of advisors and allies, offering diverse perspectives and expertise. This network isn't just for troubleshooting; it's a rich source of guidance and inspiration. I cultivate connections with peers, mentors, and industry experts, creating relationships that bolster both professional and personal growth. During project challenges, this network provides support, advice, and essential reality checks. It also acts as a sounding board for refining strategies and spotting potential issues early. This network keeps me informed of industry trends and best practices. In the demanding world of program management, a strong support network is key to sustained success and ongoing improvement.

No one is an island, and while you might be strong, you need others you can count on to be there for you. Having a few counterparts at other regional offices, we relied on each other during the virus days to not only share ideas and coordinate activities, but also to support one another through the tough times.

Regularly expressing gratitude through verbal acknowledgment, thank-you notes, and public recognition fosters a culture of appreciation within the team. Reframing challenges as growth opportunities involves shifting perspectives and focusing on the positive aspects of overcoming difficulties, promoting resilience. Celebrating milestones and achievements, both big and small, through team acknowledgments and positive feedback reinforces a sense of accomplishment and boosts team morale. Establishing boundaries and seeking support from colleagues, friends, and family during challenging times enhances resilience.

Practicing gratitude can help program managers build resilience by fostering a positive mindset. Recognizing and appreciating successes, even small ones, can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation during challenging times, contributing to emotional well-being and resilience.

In program management, gratitude is a strategic asset. Acknowledging team efforts fosters a culture of respect and encouragement. It transforms challenges into shared victories and setbacks into learning opportunities. Regular expressions of gratitude enhance team morale, boost productivity, and encourage open communication. Recognizing each team member's value and our collective achievements, gratitude goes beyond mere courtesy. It strengthens team bonds and increases job satisfaction, making a team more agile, engaged, and successful. Gratitude is not just a nicety; it's essential for effective program management.

For Program Managers, cultivating resilience involves adopting practices that enhance adaptability and fortitude in the face of challenges. Encourage a positive and collaborative team culture, prioritize self-care to manage stress, and embrace a mindset that views setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement. Regularly assess and adjust program strategies, foster open communication, and establish contingency plans to navigate uncertainties effectively.

Leaders need to be resilient no matter what is happening. Whether you are moving along with sunny skies and a strong tailwind, or sailing into the teeth of a hurricane, you need to project strength equally throughout them, and in doing so, they will turn to you without hesitation when ill winds blow.