Bouncing Forward: My Resilience Journey

It takes a village to execute a project. From understanding the requirements, creating a plan of action, team assignment, stakeholders alignment, status reporting, etc. - the checklist is extensive. Meeting expectations, ensuring team satisfaction, and promoting use adoption are additional layers to address.?

Leading diverse projects, I've faced numerous twists and turns throughout my corporate journey. The path to success was rarely smooth. However, one constant I believe is a part of every leader's journey is resilience.

Early in my career, a project I deeply invested in faced a big problem. Deadlines were missed, morale was low, and I felt like I failed. It was really hard to accept. I doubted my choices and skills, but in the middle of all that mess, I started to learn how to bounce back and be resilient.

Here are my learnings:

1. Acceptance is the key: Resilience doesn't mean denying the impact of setbacks. It starts with acknowledging the reality of the situation. I let myself experience the disappointment, but I didn't let it shape who I am. Every setback is a chance to grow. I learned from failure, improved plans, and fostered teamwork. Progress was slow, but each small success highlighted the power of resilience.
2. Seek Support and Learn: Resilience doesn't happen alone. I turned to mentors, asked for advice, and learned from those who went through similar situations. Shared experiences can guide the way to resilience. As the project picked up speed, I saw that being resilient isn't only about coming back. It's about becoming stronger, wiser, and kinder. Facing challenges, adapting, and inspiring others – that's what adversity shaped me to be.
3. Growth Beyond Bounce Back: Resilience isn't just about surviving; it's about thriving. Every setback was a chance for personal and team growth. Through it all, I discovered a deeper understanding of myself and the incredible strength within my team.

Here's to resilience – my silent companion in leadership. May we all discover the power to come back, grow through tough times, and become leaders who not only endure challenges but also find joy in overcoming them.