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Resilience is the capacity to recover from setbacks and thrive amid adversity.
As Harvard Business School professor Nancy Koehn eloquently describes, it's akin to having "grace under fire."
In our workplaces, where volatility and uncertainty are brought about by reorganization, market disruptions, or evolving career paths, resilience stands out as a crucial leadership trait. Even success brings its own set of challenges that demand resilience at every level of an organization.
The reality of today’s workforce reflects these challenges clearly. According to Gallup, between 18% and 41% of employees report experiencing emotions like stress, anger, sadness, loneliness, and worry on a daily basis.
Yet paradoxically, 57% of workers say it’s a good time to find a job, and 56% are actively considering a career move. The workplace is a paradox of opportunity and emotional strain, making resilience more essential than ever.
A tale of resilience after a layoff
One of the hardest trials a leader can face is managing layoffs. Recently, many have personally navigated this difficult experience and can attest that it can deeply shake your confidence. During such times, we firmly believe in the power of applying the principles of positive psychology and shifting your focus toward learning, growth, and future possibilities.
Instead of viewing a layoff as a setback, reframe this as a moment of transformation: an opportunity to explore new horizons and build resilience. This shift in mindset helps maintain optimism and stay open to new opportunities, reinforcing that resilience is shaped by how we choose to respond to adversity.
Instead of viewing a layoff as a setback, reframe this as a moment of transformation: an opportunity to explore new horizons and build resilience
A colleague recently introduced me to the book ‘Tomorrowmind: Thriving at Work with Resilience, Creativity, and Connection—Now and in an Uncertain Future’ (Seligman, 2023).
One of its central ideas is that resilience isn’t an innate trait but a skill that can be cultivated. The book stresses the importance of open communication and mutual respect in building resilient teams. When leaders foster an environment of psychological safety and trust, teams are empowered to face challenges more effectively. It is helpful to remember, resilience can be nurtured in anyone, and as leaders, we can guide others through adversity with empathy and transparency.
Resilient leaders seek ‘inward time’
Thoughtful leaders understand the value of introspection, both for personal and professional development.
In times of uncertainty, emotional intelligence (EI)—the ability to recognize and regulate emotions—becomes invaluable. Managers with high self-awareness and empathy can lead their teams through turbulence, serving as a consistent source of stability.
Emotional intelligence is key to this process, enabling deeper connections with others through empathy and self-awareness
As Koehn points out, resilience strengthens with practice. Leaders who approach challenges with a growth mindset view them not as obstacles, but as opportunities to deepen their resilience and hone their leadership skills.
What do we do to build resilience as a skill?
Building resilience doesn’t require complex tools or technology. It begins with self-awareness and reflection. By revisiting past challenges, we gain valuable insights that can inform our responses to future adversity. Many people find regular self-reflection crucial, taking time to assess their experiences and identify growth opportunities.
Emotional intelligence is key to this process, enabling deeper connections with others through empathy and self-awareness. Effective communication, coupled with surrounding yourself with supportive yet challenging individuals, further enhances resilience. Above all, don’t avoid difficulties—embrace them. Growth often occurs when we face the toughest trials, and failure can be a powerful teacher.
As you apply these principles, your resilience will not only become more visible, but your journey will inspire those around you. Don’t avoid the storms. Learn to navigate through them. Every challenge strengthens your character and fortifies your resolve. With each hurdle you overcome, you demonstrate—to yourself and to others—that no matter what lies ahead, you are prepared, stronger than before, and continually growing.
