The world is moving fast, and leadership is inundated with all sorts of challenges. On certain days, some glitches are there, while others can really be tough. Nevertheless, resilient leaders can counter these ups and downs quite effectively. They bounce back from all sorts of setbacks and move on. Want to become a more resilient leader? Here are some very simple techniques that will help you do so.
1. Get to Know Yourself Well.
The first characteristic of a resilient leader is self-awareness, which means that a leader will always be perfectly aware of their strengths, weaknesses, and feelings. For example, by being aware of the emotions you are feeling, you can better plan your reaction to situations such as deadlines. Knowing what sets you off and how will help you manage feelings more composedly.
Example: Say you’re a manager, and you find that sometimes specific situations regarding changes to be made at the last minute develop in you an utter feeling of frustration. Now that you know that fact, you can mentally prepare for such changes and set ways in which you deal with stressors.
2. Increase Your EQ
EI helps a leader understand and manage his feelings and the feelings of others. This includes empathy, which means standing in another person’s shoes. Such a skill is instrumental in conflict resolution and fostering good relations.
Example: If a team member is perturbed about something related to a project, a highly EI leader would listen, show understanding, and give support rather than deal with the issue.
3. Communicate
Proper communication is the basis for any resilient leader. This can mean listening and speaking clearly as much as it involves making sure that everyone fully understands each other. With communication comes trust-building, leaving no room for misconceptions.
Example: You are leading a team meeting. Do not just give orders; ask for feedback and ask them to share what comes to their minds. This two-way communication engages everyone and makes them feel important.
4. Be Adaptable
Adaptability goes hand in hand with flexibility and openness to change. Things do not always work out according to plan, so the ability to deviate becomes very important. For example, a change in information or a challenge would quickly cause resilient leaders to pivot.
Example: If one of the big customers abruptly changed their needs, an adaptable leader would urgently seek a meeting with his team to chart a new plan instead of freaking out or being rigid with the old plan.
5. Sharpen Your Problem-solving Skills
Problem-solving includes analyzing issues and finding efficient solutions when necessary. The resilient leader will think critically and creatively about how to maneuver around those cliffs.
Example: If your team is facing a project delay, a resilient leader would not ignore the problem but brainstorm with the team to find alternative solutions and bring the project back on track.
6. Building a Support Network
Having a supportive network is crucial for resilience. This includes colleagues, mentors, and friends who can offer advice, feedback, and encouragement. A strong network provides different perspectives and helps you handle challenges better.
Example: Are you dealing with a difficult decision? Discussing it with a mentor or trusted colleague automatically provides support and valuable input to make the decision process easier.
7. Stay Positive
Maintaining a positive attitude takes care of more than half of problems. Focus on possibilities, not problems, and encourage the team to do the same. This could raise people’s spirits and create a more effective environment.
Example: Instead of sitting and crying over how some part of the project has been stalled, point out any progress and tell the team to move forward. It can keep everyone focused and motivated.
8.Take Care of Your Well-being
Resilient leaders appreciate the need for self-care. This includes getting enough sleep, eating right, exercising, and managing stress. A healthy leader is better equipped.
Example: If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to rest every day. Get some daily exercise and sleep. Adequate rest will help you stay refreshed and more capable of handling stress.
9. Dedication to Continuous Learning and Growth
Great resilience calls for lifelong learning and personal development. Welcome feedback from others, learn from your mistakes and always seek to better yourself. This way, you will be prepared to acclimatize to new situations and grow into your next leadership role.
Example: Keep feeding your skills by joining leadership workshops or reading books on management. A growth mindset really helps you stay ahead of challenges so that you can make yourself better at leading people.
10. Set the Example
As a leader, your actions within a given group set a prime example for your team. You should demonstrate those behaviors and values valuable to you that you expect from the group as well. Being resilient empowers and opens opportunities for your team to do the same.
If you are calm and professional in a difficult situation, your team will likely emulate your stance on that issue. Hard work, respect for others, and handling stress are just some of the many things you do now that, in turn, will inspire your team.
In conclusion
Building resilient leadership is more than just handling stress; it’s about leading your growing self and supporting others to achieve the same. The previous 12 tips are ways in which you can further develop your resilience and thus be a better leader by knowing yourself, improving your emotional intelligence, communicating effectively, being adaptable, building support, staying positive, problem-solving, creating a support network, looking after yourself, committing to learning, and leading by example.
Remember that becoming a resilient leader is a journey that will take time, practice, and patience. Using the strategies above, you will already be on your journey to leading with strength and confident resolution through any challenge.
