Resilience - What the... Fuss?

I pick up where I left off, and I was writing in my previous article about times filled with uncertainty and challenges that we are experiencing at an intensity seemingly greater than ever. Inflation is rising, costs are increasing, and the economy feels increasingly vulnerable. As a coach and consultant in human resources, I have met many worried and cautious people, dealing with budgetary challenges and anxieties about the future. I, too, am cautious and try to find my place in this context in a way that suits me best and is adapted to the situations around me. Not easy, for sure!

But in the midst of these turbulences, there is a concept that can bring a glimmer of hope - resilience.

What is resilience, and why is it so important in the times we live in?

Resilience is the ability to face and grow in the face of adversities. It is our way of adapting, recovering, and becoming stronger in the face of life's challenges. But resilience is not just an inherent trait; it is also an ability that can be developed and improved over time.

The story of resilience teaches us that we are not simply victims of circumstances, but we have the power to influence how we react to them. And to develop this ability, we must start with ourselves.

Self-awareness is the first step towards developing individual resilience. We need to understand how we react to stress, failures, and life's challenges. Self-knowledge can help us realize how we self-sabotage, identify our weaknesses, and transform them into strengths.

To become more resilient, we need to adopt a mindset that involves working with ourselves and being conscious. Despite all the obstacles, we need to find reasons for joy every day, even the joy of simply breathing deeply, and see every challenge as an opportunity for growth.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving."

Furthermore, resilience requires effective stress management. We can learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation or physical exercises, which are simple and accessible to everyone, to maintain our balance in difficult moments. Certainly, there are numerous other techniques, we just need to realize and choose the ones that suit us.

Then, building and maintaining support relationships are essential in any context. We need trustworthy people around us who can support us in difficult moments. A strong support network can work wonders in developing our resilience.

Moreover, we should not fear change. Adaptability and flexibility are key qualities of a resilient person. Change is a constant in life, and accepting it can help us grow and evolve.

Throughout this journey of self-development, we have various tools at our disposal, such as professional coaching, which provides the necessary space for reflection and the right questions to guide and support us in discovering those things within us that can strengthen our much-needed resilience.

Within this framework I will propose to you a straightforward imaginative exercise: "Where do you envision yourself one year from today?" After visualizing this, pose another simple question to yourself: "What actions can I initiate now to progress towards that vision one year from now?" Take a moment to reflect on this and observe what emerges. So, what will you do?

As we have seen, developing individual resilience is crucial for facing personal challenges, but resilience has an even greater impact when developed at the team or company level.

Resilience within a team involves collaboration, communication, and mutual support, among other things. A leader can play an essential role in increasing the level of resilience both for themselves and their team, through personal example and by creating an environment that promotes the development of this vital ability. Through open and sincere communication, a leader can encourage team members to share their challenges and provide mutual support.

Furthermore, a leader can support their team in setting clear goals and developing effective strategies to overcome obstacles. By encouraging learning from failures and promoting a growth mindset, a leader can significantly contribute to the development of individual and team resilience, thus building a solid foundation for long-term success.

I have encountered such leaders, one recently, who impressed me, especially because they were the first to step in front of their team and speak about the mistakes they had made and the lessons they had learned from those mistakes. To me, it seemed proof of vulnerability, leadership, and resilience. What made it even more rewarding was witnessing the positive impact this approach had on their team.

Also, from a professional coaching perspective, I want to challenge the leaders reading this article with one question to contemplate during a quiet morning coffee session: "Considering your team's current state, what adjustments can you make in the near future to enhance its resilience within the context of your company?" Write them down, have a discussion with your team about those thoughts and see what emerges. It’s just an idea.

So, the story of resilience is not just about survival but about growth and prosperity in the face of adversities. It is about turning obstacles into opportunities and becoming stronger every day.

To wrap things up, when you wonder if resilience is worth all the fuss, my answer is a clear "yes". It is a quality that help us navigate through life with confidence, grow, and progress in the face of any challenge. Therefore, let's embrace resilience and develop it because it is what will guide us towards a brighter future in the midst of uncertainty.?

So, what's your next move for developing your resilience and/or your team's, if applicable?

To everyone, everywhere, and in any role you may be, I wish you a journey full of inspiration and valuable discoveries for both you and those around you!

#resilience #professionalcoaching #coaching #coachingprocess #teamresilience

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I invite you to share your perspectives in the comments, because learning and growth are more meaningful when we do them together.?

These lines express a personal perspective, are not exhaustive on the subject, and are not intended to contradict anyone. They are written with the best intentions in the hope that they can be useful to others on their journeys.