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By Lois Wagner, conversational intelligence coach and facilitator

I firmly believe that we can all learn to build resilience by understanding and developing the characteristics of a resilient person.

Redefining resilience

Two key concepts emerge: recovering quickly and springing back. Initially, I believed resilience was about bouncing back after adversity. However, I’ve come to realise that resilience is more about, climbing, clawing, or fighting your way back. In business, this means that after a setback, you never return to exactly where you were. Instead, you return to a meaningful, albeit changed, state.

For me, resilience in business is the courage, creativity, and optimism that propels you forward with renewed energy and greater determination after facing a difficult challenge. Resilience prepares us for growth and is the mindset that insists we must rise again after each fall.

Developing resilience in business

Resilience can be developed as a skill to withstand, adapt to, and recover from adversity and stress in the business world. This involves maintaining or returning to a healthy mental state using effective coping strategies. Focus on aspects of your business over which you have control, as this empowerment prevents feelings of helplessness. First, understand how the experience impacted you and how you coped. Recognise what you lost and what you gained as you return to a new normal.

Characteristics of a resilient business leader

A resilient business leader exhibits specific traits and coping mechanisms, such as:

• Self-awareness: Knowing strengths and challenges
• Optimism: A positive outlook and willingness to face challenges
• Adaptability: Willingness to leave the comfort zone and face fears
• Sense of humour: Ability to laugh at setbacks
• Role models: Drawing strength and learning from others
• Emotional intelligence
• Meaning and purpose: Strong aspirations and goals
• Strong moral character: Integrity and ethical values

These skills and attributes can be developed with the right support and guidance.

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The R’s of resilience in business

• Responsibility: Take ownership of what happened and your reaction. Focus on areas where you can have an impact
• Respond: Choose your response to challenges. Stay calm, logical, and solution-focused
• Resist: Resist the urge to give up. Pause, breathe, and create positive affirmations
• Reflect: Reflect on your experiences, emotions, and the lessons learned
• Reframe: Think about challenges differently and positively
• Refuel: Maintain your health with nutritious meals
• Research and Relevance: Explore alternative strategies for recovery
• Risk: Step out of your comfort zone and try new approaches
• Recovery: Adaptability and flexibility help you return to normalcy
• Reveal: Share your growth and learning with others to help them build resilience

Read more on excellence in the latest edition of Top HR Leaders:

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