Building a Resilient Team: Part 1- It Starts from Self

Introduction:

It is unrealistic to expect a work world that is cozy and trouble-free. Disagreements are natural, and so is constant change, in the face of which individuals and organizations alike are increasingly called upon to demonstrate resilience.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb's concept of "antifragility" takes resilience to the next level, proposing that systems described as antifragile not only rebound from adversity but also grow stronger because of it. A prime example is our muscular system, which strengthens under stress.

Why is Resilience Important?

Resilience is vital for thriving amidst workplace changes. Stress, a response to these changes, can hinder work engagement, leading to burnout. This can result in errors, thoughts of quitting, and health issues like depression and sleep disorders. Burnout also strains relationships and hampers career growth. Therefore, building resilience is crucial for overcoming workplace challenges and maintaining well-being.

However, resilience is often misunderstood as an inherent quality rather than a skill that can be cultivated and strengthened over time. Over my lifetime of experiences, I have developed the following toolkit that helps me bounce back stronger and better in the face of every setback. I will share my insights in a two-part series: the first about cultivating personal resilience, and the second covering the actions a leader can take to build a resilient team.

5 Ways to Build Personal Resilience:

1. Find your purpose: Align on why

Core values are the bedrock of resilience. They can also help you define your purpose in life. In difficult times, reminding myself of why I am doing this regains my motivation to persevere and brings forth my problem-solving self instead of my victim self to overcome the upcoming challenge. If the idea of purpose doesn't click with you, try using these exercises to help you find your purpose.

2. Self-care: Listen to your body

Often undermined, there is a significant role in investing in yourself to build resilience. Some form of regular exercise, nutritious meals, and adequate sleep are indispensable for replenishing your reserves of energy needed to handle any tough situation. Striving for easy changes in routines and adjustments in your environment helps you stick to healthy habits and reduces the load on your willpower

3. Taking control: Circle of Competence

Stoics encourage us to consider each day what is within our control versus what is not and to focus our energy and time only on the things that are within our control. This lesson of understanding circle of competence not only allows us to bounce back quickly from setbacks but also enables one to intentionally work on broadening this circle in areas of one's interest by gaining more knowledge or strengthening skills. Daily journaling on two questions — What will I focus on? and What will I let go of? — helps me create this distinction and build my resilience to remain equanimous in moments of adversity.

4. Seek challenges: Take small steps

To develop the resilience muscle for bigger problems, one must strive to take up smaller challenges. It all starts with the first step. For example, volunteering for relatively challenging assignments or low-stakes presentations can set you up for handling high-stakes audiences and projects successfully. In the process, one is likely to make mistakes, but the reflection and learning gained from these mistakes are priceless. Because, in the next chance that life throws at you, you will be a little bit faster, and a little bit braver.

5. Cultivate Relationships and expand your network

Social interactions are crucial in dealing with stressful situations. Notably, the beauty of social support lies in interaction. Having a large friend-list doesn't help until you pick up your phone and reach out for help, support, or guidance. Friends both inside and outside of work, and even colleagues, can be a great source of alternative perspectives. In my case, my family serves as my biggest support system when handling turbulent times. I rely on them for empathetic listening, tapping into my strengths when I feel low or lost, and reminding me of my successes so that I can gather the courage to face reality and move ahead. I strongly recommend tapping into your social network more intentionally.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, let's remember that careers are like marathons, not sprints. Sustaining our efforts over the long term is key to reaping the rewards of our investments. Stress can drain us and divert us from what we love most. But by prioritizing self-care, committing to personal growth, striving for purpose and nurturing meaningful relationships, we can fortify our resilience and thrive amidst challenges. Take action today by implementing some of these strategies. Stay tuned for the next article, where we'll explore how leaders can foster resilience within their teams.