Building Resilient Teams in Uncertain Times
A few years ago, my team was over 600 people strong. On paper, that number looked impressive—growth, expansion, and scale. But in reality, something wasn’t working. Communication was fragmented, decision-making slowed down, and inefficiencies crept in.
Then, things changed. I sold my business and shifted my mindset to what really matters to me and in my ideas of business growth. We streamlined, restructured, and made some tough calls. Today, we’re a team of 50. And I can confidently say—we’re more effective, agile, and aligned than ever before. It wasn’t an easy transition, but it was necessary. What I learned through that process is that resilience isn’t about size—it’s about strength, adaptability, and clarity.
In a world of constant change, resilience isn't optional—it's essential.
The past few years have tested businesses in ways we never imagined. Economic downturns, rapid industry shifts, and unforeseen crises have forced leaders to rethink how they build and sustain high-performing teams. The difference between teams that thrive and those that struggle often comes down to resilience.
Resilient teams don’t just survive change—they adapt, innovate, and emerge stronger. But resilience isn’t something that happens by chance. It’s a skill that leaders must cultivate intentionally. Here are five key strategies to help your team develop resilience amidst economic uncertainty:
1. Foster a Culture of Psychological Safety
Resilience starts with trust. When employees feel safe to voice their concerns, share ideas, and admit mistakes, they become more adaptable. Psychological safety creates a foundation where people are willing to take risks and push through challenges without fear of blame or failure.
Example: Australian business leader Mike Cannon-Brookes (Co-Founder, Atlassian) has long advocated for open communication and learning from failure, ensuring teams feel secure enough to innovate without fear.
2. Encourage Agile Thinking
The ability to pivot quickly in response to change is a hallmark of resilient teams. Encourage a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Leaders should empower their teams to experiment, iterate, and adjust strategies as needed.
Example: Melanie Perkins (CEO, Canva) successfully navigated rapid global expansion by staying flexible and encouraging a test-and-learn approach to problem-solving.
3. Prioritise Well-Being Without Compromising Performance
Resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about sustaining energy levels and avoiding burnout. Encourage breaks, provide mental health resources, and model a healthy work-life balance.
Example: After the 2020 crisis, Alan Joyce (CEO, Qantas) implemented support programs for employees to maintain morale and engagement through turbulent times.
4. Strengthen Team Connectivity
A resilient team is a connected team. Leaders must foster relationships that go beyond daily tasks, ensuring employees feel supported by colleagues. Strong team bonds create a shared sense of responsibility and accountability.
Example: Commonwealth Bank of Australia prioritised internal mentorship and peer support networks to keep employees engaged and united through industry disruptions.
5. Equip Teams with the Right Tools and Resources
Providing access to the right training, technology, and frameworks helps teams remain confident when navigating change. Investing in upskilling and digital transformation ensures employees feel capable, not threatened, by change.
Example: Companies like Telstra have successfully navigated digital disruption by continuously investing in employee development programs, ensuring their workforce stays ahead of technological advancements.
Final Thoughts
Resilient teams don’t happen by accident. They are built, nurtured, and led with intention. As a leader, your role is to equip your team with the mindset, tools, and environment they need to thrive—no matter what challenges arise.
?? Let's discuss how you can build a resilient team that thrives in uncertainty. Drop your thoughts in the comments or send me a message!