New in November

I began November reflecting on social networking after attending a lecture and workshop led by Grzegorz Turniak, a legend in networking in Poland. This sparked an important question: Can Networking Impact your Resilience? I argue that maintaining a healthy social network is vital for building resilience—not just for individuals, but for entire communities. In this piece, I share my key learnings from that insightful session.

Shifting gears to technology, I explored the fascinating longevity of Microsoft Flight Simulator, Microsoft’s longest-running product. MFS is an extraordinary example of endurance in a constantly evolving technological landscape. Reflecting on the Lindy Effect, which suggests the future life expectancy of non-perishable items is proportional to their current age, I pose the question: After 42 years, could MFS endure for another 42?

Continuing on the theme of technology, I reviewed IBM Report: The Technology of Resilience: Insights from IBM’s Crisis Management Studies, recommended to me by Marcin Kaluza. This report presents four compelling case studies from the government sector, showcasing how technologies can enhance resilience in crisis situations. It’s a thought-provoking read from a company that is itself one of the greatest examples of resilient businesses.

What would be life without some fun? This month I wrote about CIA Simple Sabotage Field Manual reflecting on its amusing yet disturbingly relevant insights into modern workplace behaviors. In my post: Let's have some resilient fun: How to (Not) Sabotage Your Organization, I explore how some of these “sabotage techniques” manifest unintentionally in today’s organizations. Don’t miss the attached manual—it’s both entertaining and enlightening.

Finally, I reviewed another excellent book: Resilience: Why Things Bounce Back, recommended to me a while ago by Piotr Magnuszewski an expert in complex systems research and learning. This book serves as an excellent introduction to resilience thinking and practice, offering powerful examples and practical insights.

I hope you enjoy this month’s reflections and resources. I’m already working on my next piece! If there’s a specific aspect of resilience science or practice you’d like me to explore, feel free to reach out.Discover the science of resilience: the key to thriving in a changing world. My weekly posts explore how resilient individuals and organizations adapt and evolve. Gain evidence-based insights to boost resilience across domains. Join the growing community of forward-thinking readers at https://www.resilienceinstitute.info/.