Connection & support: The missing links in resilience

We often think about resilience and how to develop the skill in our careers, especially during these times of crisis when being able to bounce back from adversity is more important than ever. However, there is a missing piece of the resilience jigsaw that is not always focused on - support.

Developing resilience helps us overcome obstacles, deal with change, and learn from experiences to thrive in the future. The word can be synonymous with strength, but it is a misconception that needing help is a sign of weakness. Quite the opposite; ensuring a support network makes us stronger. Connection is an important part of psychological health, and having people and systems in place to provide support is critical when enhancing resilience.

Positive relationships and supportive environments can:

• Help us feel less stressed when faced with challenges
• Provide different perspectives and ideas when navigating new situations
• Give us an outlet to communicate and talk through struggles
• Motivate and inspire us to continue moving forward in a positive way

Create a support committee

Establishing both professional and personal networks that can offer guidance and encouragement in times of difficulty is hugely beneficial to your workplace resilience. There are various strands of a strong support system.

Colleagues

Building genuine connections with people in your workplace can ensure you create fulfilling, long-lasting relationships and in turn work better as a team, especially during stressful times. There are many ways to nurture your workplace relationships, but it’s particularly key to communicate when you need support and offer the same in return; take an active interest in coworkers’ individual circumstances - both personally and within their role - and show that you’re someone who can listen. It’s also worth addressing relationships that bring you down, as this can have a detrimental effect on how supported you feel.

A mentor or career coach

Having someone you can count on for support or turn to for advice is helpful in bolstering resilience. This can be a direct manager, someone within your organisation who you trust and admire, or a person in your field whose experiences and knowledge are relevant to your future goals. If you don’t have someone in your direct network who comes to mind, or if it’s a person you don’t currently have a close relationship with, consider doing some research and reaching out.

Like minded professionals

Connecting with other people in your industry that understand your work can be a great way to expand your support network. There are plenty of online communities on social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn, apps designed for networking, and - if and when COVID-19 allows - industry-specific events to help you meet people who you can foster professional relationships with. This is not only something that can enhance your resilience, but also help your career in the future.

Family and friends

It’s also important to have a support network outside the professional realm. In order to stay resilient, we need to have the energy to face the daily challenges we’re presented with at work. Aside from lending a listening ear when we need one, our family and friends are key to a healthy work-life balance. All of us need time to relax, unwind and re-energise so that we can thrive at work. Think about the things that are most important for your emotional well-being and how you can incorporate them into your working week - whether it’s quality time with your family, periods of socialising, or time for hobbies, exercise, and mental stimulation.

Mental health professionals

Sometimes, it can help to communicate openly and honestly with someone objective. Good mental health is a key aspect of resilience, and talking to someone can make it easier to deal with problems, manage your emotions, and improve confidence.

To summarise, it takes a village. No man is an island, and having a support committee will make you much more resilient in a crisis - and help you weather any storm.?

Your support committee

Who’s in your support committee? And whose support committee do you belong to?

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Instagram: Gemma Leigh Roberts

Mindset Matters is a series of LinkedIn articles to help you thrive in your career.

Ready to take the next step and build your resilience? Explore videos (coming soon), courses, tips and resources over at?Resilience Edge.