Resilience

As I write this, we’re actually on vacation in Paris. (I swear...I am only working about 30 minutes today!) Getting here was a travel challenge, as we all often experience these days.

A combination of weather, a flight delayed coming out of San Francisco, and then a ridiculous amount of weird events (special security checks, Port Authority cops boarding our plane and having to remove a passenger, etc.) meant that our plans to get to Paris were thwarted and twisted a bit.

It was interesting to watch the reactions of our fellow passengers. Some were angry and taking it out on the gate agents. Others were in tears over the delay. A few people just got fed up and left, ready to try another day. And some took it in stride, joking about the oddities and trying to be kind to the employees who were no more thrilled at the situation than we were.

Same scenario and honestly, same outcome. We all landed (except for those who left) in Paris at the exact same time. I’m sure for some people, the delays may have meant they missed a connecting flight or an important family event. We all had different investment levels, for sure.

I couldn’t help but think about the coping skills people bring to situations. Yes, we all brought a different set of expectations and level of urgency to the experience. But I’m guessing for the lion’s share of us, it was not a crisis that we were four or five hours late. But so many different reactions!

I think the blend of two traits — resilience and the ability to adapt are some of life’s most critical skills. I certainly saw it that night and I see it every day with agency owners. You all face many of the same issues and challenges but how you face them can vary dramatically. And how your team watches you face them can be very different.

Being resilient and adaptable means you can roll with the punches easier and don’t get knocked off your game. It also means your team takes it cues from you and does the same. In an industry that is constantly changing and so much of our world is beyond our control — anything we can do to remain calm and focused is a plus!

We all have those skills within us. And for some, they’re the go to reaction. Others probably have to dig deep to find them. To survive and thrive agency ownership/leadership for the long haul, I believe they’re essential. If they’re your natural state — it’s a huge leg up. If more of a “get there eventually” response for you,?I found an interesting TED Talk on the topic . I think you have to have some resilience in you to be adaptable. So one seems to be the precursor to the other. But the combo is potent!

Here’s the good news — there are?many ways to be resilient ?and no two people get there exactly the same. If you’re a natural, find ways to enhance it and more important — teach and model it among your team. If it’s a growth area for you — keep at it. You, your team and the clients will all benefit in the end.

Drew McLellan, with Agency Management Institute, produces a weekly newsletter with updates, tips, and market information of value to marketing agencies, owners, and employees. If you'd like to receive the weekly newsletter, follow this link to subscribe.