Caution ... Tough Going Ahead!
That old expression "When the going gets tough the tough get going," seems to have increasing relevance. Most organizations today are faced with difficult new challenges. Everyone is increasingly called upon to do more with less. It takes resilience for all of us to thrive in these demanding times.
Resilience makes it possible for people to shake off frustration and forge ahead. Workplace cultures that are resilient tend to reinforce a spirit of teamwork and common cause. But, what exactly is resilience and how easy is it to tap this powerful resource?
The Power of Resilience
The Merriam-Webster dictionary says resilience is the 'ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.' But, in our experience we've found that there's much more to it than that. When employees rely on resilience to overcome a tough obstacle they do more than just "recover." Resilient workers frequently emerge from their experience stronger than before. It's almost as if the exercise of resilience helps to build inner strength and develop skills for the future. Resilient employees are typically:
- Flexible ... willing to try alternate strategies and new methods to get things done.
- Clear-minded ... focused on solving the problem at hand with an eye to achieving long-term goals.
- Resourceful ... able to learn from their mistakes and to recognize opportunities.
- Optimistic ... upbeat and positive, not weighed down by problems or conflict.
- Humorous ... able to see the lighter side of circumstances and to remain positive.
Building a Resilient Culture
Of course, not everyone's equally resilient. Some people bounce back from difficulties more easily than others. But, as the leader, you have the capacity to create a culture that promotes the qualities of resilience. It takes four strategies to build a resilient culture:
- Start by stopping: First off, stop doing the things you did in the past if they didn't yield the results you need. Start focusing the team on key priorities that will propel the business foreword.
- See it in your head: When the going does get tough people are anxious to know exactly where things are going. Visualize success, share your vision of the future and you'll give your team members the guidance they need to pull together.
- Do more with more: More coaching, more communicating...take the time to share your views, communicate expectations, acknowledge problems, and encourage positive efforts. Don't hold anything back! In tough times more coaching and communication are required, not less.
- Celebrate successes: Sometimes, when you're facing a major challenge, the light at the end of the tunnel looks tiny. That's why you have to take the time to celebrate any and all successes, however minor. These celebrations give your people encouragement and make that light loom just a little bit larger.
When you take the time to instill resilience within your workplace, you're ensuring that everyone will have the resources, flexibility and gumption to tackle any challenge or overcome any setback.
KEYGroup Resources for Resilience
At KEYGroup we've been helping to build resilient cultures for many years. If you're looking to strengthen the capacity of your work team you may want to consider these resources:
Maintaining Resilience in Chaotic Times
This has recently, the most requested keynote! (Does that tell you something about today's workplaces?) Balancing work and personal life in a 24-7 environment amidst tumultuous corporate change is no small task. And creating the right environment and leadership practices to achieve organizational resiliency contributes to top talent attraction, retention and performance. Leaders who build their personal resilience are able to rise above the chaos, creating a means for maintaining drive and stamina while finding opportunities to relax, restore and rejuvenate. This is a must-attend keynote for leaders who want to increase their personal energy, focus and performance. You will also gain techniques for translating personal practices into team synergy and organizational results.
The Keys to Conquering Change: 100 Tales of Success
My book, The Keys to Conquering Change presents the tales of 100 real people who have confronted change and conquered it. Their stories cover the gamut of work and life experiences, from secretaries and top executives to janitors, parents, spouses and friends. And their stories touch us all - whether the change they confront is the challenge of marriage or divorce, retirement or unemployment, death or many others. To learn more click here.
Meet Dr. Joanne G. Sujansky, CSP
For over twenty-five years Joanne G. Sujansky, Ph.D., CSP, (Certified Speaking Professional) has been helping leaders to increase business growth and profitability by creating and sustaining a dynamic workplace. Her expertise, insight, wisdom, humor, and practical solutions have made Joanne a highly sought-after speaker for keynote addresses, seminars, conferences, and workshops. She has brought fresh concepts and effective techniques to executives and audiences in over thirty countries around the globe. Client favorites include The Keys to Creating a Productive and Profitable Workplace and Culture: Your New Competitive Advantage.
Among the organizations that have called upon Joanne to deliver speeches, develop custom presentations, and provide consulting services are: GlaxoSmithKline, International Federation of Training and Development Organizations, PPG Industries, Inc., U.S. Steel Corporation, PA Recreation & Park Society, Inc., American Express-Sweden, AT&T, Meeting Professionals International, U.S. Postal Service, IBM, Society for Automotive Engineers International, T. Rowe Price, Mayo Clinic, and Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche.
Joanne, who founded KEYGroup, is an award-winning entrepreneur. Earlier in her career, she held management- and director-level positions across several different industries. She is past national president of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), and is a recipient of their highest honor, the Gordon M. Bliss Award. An active member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), she has received their highest earned designation, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). She has authored numerous articles and books on leadership, change and retention.
Joanne's energy and sense of purpose translate into winning presentations that audiences applaud. Packed with plenty of take-home value and on-the-job applicability, you can count on Joanne's presentations to provide you with the keys to unlock the leader within you, your team, and your organization.
