Thriving Through Turbulence The Power of Resilience
In my twenty years of experience in human resource management, I have had the opportunity to witness and experience resilience first hand. The insights garnered, have helped me in my resilience journey, and I hope that sharing some of what I learned, will help you in yours.
Cayman has a rich heritage of the sea, and its Seafarers significantly contributed to the cultural fabric of where we live and work. I will use the language of the sea to discuss resilience in the workplace.
What is Resilience?
One of the popular definitions is that resilience is ‘grit; the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and emerge stronger than before.’ [1] However when I consider resiliency, I believe it to be more than grit. It is a quiet confidence and calm internal force that propels you to pick yourself up after any adversity you face. Regardless of what turbulence confronts you, quitting is not an option. Resilience, therefore, is a vital skill that can transform our work lives and beyond.
Why is Resilience Important and Beneficial in the Workplace?
Let’s face it, life at work is not always a calm seashore experience with a light breeze and blue skies. Instead, it is often stormy, with rough waves, grey skies, and riptides lurking in the distance. Situations that may cause turbulence in the workplace may include managing aggressive deadlines, lack of resources (people and/or things), and navigating opinion differences with colleagues leading sometimes to a consortium of conflicts. In whatever way you currently face storms of adversity on the job, you can captain your boat with confidence, fortified with resilience and thriving despite the storm.
When organisations build a culture of resilience, they can improve productivity and engagement, avoid employee burnout, and increase employee loyalty and job satisfaction [2]. Studies have shown that resilience in the workplace positively correlates with better health, self-esteem, job satisfaction and it increases employee motivation and engagement [3].
Having employees who have the skill of resilience enhances team dynamics. Teams composed of resilient individuals are better equipped to weather storms together and stay focused on achieving common goals. Moreover, resilient teams foster a culture of innovation and creativity, where failure is seen as an opportunity for growth rather than defeat. They also foster a culture of psychological safety with the courage to “Speak Up” against inappropriate behaviour from any level of the organisation without fear of reprisal.
How do we Cultivate Resilience in Self and Team?
Embrace Your Inner Captain:
You are the captain of your ship. Cultivate resilience as your guiding compass. Recognise that you have the power to steer your course and navigate the rough waters of a challenging environment, with courage and determination.
Chart Your Course with Purpose:
Clearly define your goals and aspirations, and let them serve as your North Star. When faced with adversity, remind yourself of the reasons you embarked on this journey in the first place. By anchoring yourself in purpose, you can stay focused and resilient. Remember that ‘not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.’ (Anon)
Hoist Your Sails of Self-Confidence:
Cultivate self-confidence as your strongest sail and believe in your abilities and strengths. Trust yourself to navigate the complexities of the workplace with resilience and grace. Find meaning in the work that you do to make the lives of those you serve better.
Navigate with Adaptability:
Be flexible and agile in the ever-changing tides of the workplace. Adapt to new challenges and circumstances with resilience and resourcefulness. When faced with adversity, pivot gracefully and adjust your course as needed. Stay curious. Ask questions. Explore new ideas. Take risks. By embracing adaptability, you can navigate shifting tides with ease.
Anchor Yourself in Integrity:
Let integrity serve as your unwavering anchor. Stay true to your values and principles, even when faced with temptation or pressure from others. Uphold honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in all your interactions.
Find Refuge in Supportive Crewmates:
Seek refuge in supportive crewmates who share your values and vision. Surround yourself with allies who uplift and empower you. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and reciprocate giving help, for together, you can navigate challenges with resilience and solidarity.
Celebrate Your Victories, Big and Small:
Acknowledge your achievements and milestones along the way. By celebrating your victories, you can fuel your resilience and inspire others to do the same.
Practice self-care:
Prioritise your physical and mental well-being. Remember to rest, even on the ‘high seas’. Engage in activities that recharge your batteries and reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
Now, take a moment to reflect on your resilience journey and identify one actionable step you can take today to strengthen your resilience. Whether it's reaching out to a mentor for guidance, practicing self-care routines, or fostering a culture of support within your team, every small effort counts towards building a more resilient workplace environment. Remember: focus on continuous improvement, not perfection; every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every setback is a chance to emerge stronger than before. Visit the Civil Service College’s learning corner to learn more about Resilience.
References:
[1] Neenan, M. (2018). Developing resilience: A cognitive-behavioural approach. Routledge
[2] Shatte, Andrew, et al. (2017). “The Positive Effect of Resilience on Stress and Business Outcomes in Difficult Work Environments”. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Retrieved February 23, 2024. https://journals.lww.com/joem/fulltext/2017/02000/the_positive_effect_of_resilience_on_stress_and.1.aspx
[3] Srivastava, Shalini; Madan, Poornima. (2020). “The relationship between resilience and career satisfaction: Trust, political skills and organizational identification as moderators”. Sage Journals. Retrieved February 12, 2024. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1038416219886317
