This is the 1st installment in our blog series on Resilience.
Resilience is the ability to drive on and maintain an emotional balance during periods of uncertainty. To stay focused in the throughs of change and maintain an equilibrium when faced with a tumultuous situation. This is certainly a valuable personal skill, but it takes on an entirely different importance in the workplace. Becoming resilient is a process. For some, the lessons leading to resilience are taught through a series of life events, but for others, it is possible for it to be taught the same as any other professional skillset.
Resilient employees are mentally strong. They adapt well to change and seek to increase their responsibilities. They are less likely to seek alternative employment if there are significant changes in their jobs or work environment. They bounce; they grow; and they stay.
In addition to resilient employees, companies need to teach their managers the art of resilience. Managers who exhibit this behavior are calm leaders during difficult times and they are more likely to empathize with their teams. By doing this, they can motivate members according to each individuals’ unique needs. They think clearly under pressure and inspire trust in their colleagues.
Resilience is comprised of several personal abilities the first of which is self-awareness. To be self-aware, one needs to be insightful with themself and understand their inner self-talk, their reactions, and emotions. An employee needs to have the ability to be honest with themself and realize the impact that varying conditions may have on their behavior and ther interactions with those around them. This includes understanding what upsets them, what their strengths and weaknesses are and, importantly, that how others see them. This can be quite different from what they think others see. Reflection is required and tested through a series of exercises with the goal of understanding what “makes us tick.” Once our natural inclinations are observed and accepted, it can be used as a tool.
Self-awareness is much different from self-consciousness and the two should not be confused. Self-awareness requires honest introspection and for some, it can be a learned behavior. It is an exercise in honestly and personal understanding. Self-consciousness lacks introspection. It is a perceived reality, which is often false. Self-awareness is looking inward, while self-consciousness is a heightened sensitivity to external observations. Self-consciousness often inhibits people, while self-awareness strengthens them.
The path to resilience is one that requires introspection. It encourages personal honesty and strengthens moral reserve. The first step, self-awareness, allows us to see how we fit into the world. We are not here to judge ourselves, but to use strengths, find our purpose and play the best game we can with the hand we were dealt.