I have learned much more about resiliency as I coach my clients through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of my clients exemplify the qualities of a resilient leader, born out of crisis and strengthened by the willingness to rebound. Each of these clients is a noteworthy example of human resolve and resiliency.
Descriptions of resiliency abound, but most people agree that resiliency is one of those desirable qualities that can only be developed by walking through the fire. Resilient people develop the mindsets and behaviors that allow them to remain calm, take stock, rally their resources, and bring good from bad.
Resilient leaders stand out in the crowd, conspicuous because of their inner strength and irrepressible positivity. They are learners, still working on their own rhythms that bring new life amidst uncertainly. People want to be with resilient leaders and follow them, because of their rare ability to rebound.
Resilient leaders do not let inconvenience or uncertainty keep them down for long. Why? Because somewhere in their past (or maybe even recently) resilient leaders have been surprised, or even shocked, by unwelcome adversity or a downright catastrophic event. Not to be sugar-coated, these are nasty, unwelcome circumstances which threaten to upend their worlds. In response, these irrepressible leaders do not cave, rather they commit to recognize their need to stay healthy and grounded. They find ways to recover. In the middle of the chaos, resilient leaders develop a personal and professional cadence which moves them forward.
And, as an Executive Coach, I am privileged to work alongside exactly this type of remarkably resilient leader.
How do they do it? Let me share a few examples. Perhaps you recognize someone you know, or you see these qualities in yourself. As we stop to take note of these exceptional rhythms, acknowledge in yourself and celebrate in others the choices to remain resilient, even in the middle of chaos. Well done!
Connections
Leaders I coach have made deliberate choices to build a support network around them, using whatever means necessary to stay connected. Switching around how days are spent to include important family priorities has been a recurring theme. The rhythms of time spent in meaningful connection are lifelines to my most resilient clients.
Wellness
Resilient leaders have boundaries that protect their physical fitness time, especially getting outdoors. Many have set mental goals for themselves, or challenges to achieve new levels of expertise. Regular self-care is not selfish, but helps leaders keep body, mind, and spirit connected and invigorated. Trying new ways of resting, or letting hobbies emerge that have been dormant have been a recurring theme.
Thinking
Leaders who are winning in the resiliency arena have determined to focus only on their personal sphere of control. They have released the things they cannot influence and are mostly free from the frustration of “what used to be”. This is not an easy mindset, but it is essential for resiliency. As leaders set future-oriented goals, fix it when they fail, and celebrate when they win, they build resiliency.
Purpose
My most resilient clients are revisiting their belief systems and worldviews, challenging themselves to reaffirm what they truly believe and acknowledge where they find real life. This focus has given the best leaders I know the ability to make choices which center around who they are and what they want. During a time of drastic shaking, their core foundation has become secure.
How long will we need resilient leadership?
Are we merely experiencing an unexpected, unwelcome snowstorm, or is it a terrible blizzard that will linger? Can we return to the normal we once knew, or are we facing a mini ice-age, a lasting event that will change how we do business from now on? Resilient leaders do not have all the answers, but they do know how to return again and again to a positive mindset, dig deep into their values, and continually re-center their life purpose around their beliefs.
I encourage you to join your colleagues and take new steps to foster wellness in body, soul, and spirit. Make deliberate choices to nurture positive relationships where you can relax and just breathe. Focus on your strengths and accept your imperfections. Give yourself and others compassion when needed.
Coaching leaders who are learning to build resiliency in themselves during a time of crisis is a great honor.
Assisting professionals as they design ways of visualizing and creating their preferred futures keeps me energized. I believe better is possible as leaders do the hard work to develop resiliency for themselves and their teams.
I have seen the above qualities in you, resilient leader. Your example affects many and inspires all of us. We recognize you and acknowledge you during this time. Thank you for demonstrating remarkable resiliency. You are irrepressible!
Looking to grow your resiliency? Contact me at www.mcwhertercoaching.com to explore how a coaching partnership can help.
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