How to demonstrate Proactive Resilience
Recent global disruptions have shown how quickly change can happen, and often without warning. From the pandemic, fuel shortages and geopolitical risks to global weather and environmental disasters, disruptions have caused billions of pounds worth of damage in the past few years.
With the impact of these disruptions evident for us all to see, all successful business leaders will realise they need to become ‘proactively resilient.’
But just how exactly can they do this……….?
How to become proactively resilient
In my previous two blogs, I considered the difference between ‘Proactive’ and ‘Reactive’ resilience – and the overwhelming importance of developing a ‘proactive’ attitude to resilience in the workplace.
You should now be in no doubt as to why you should adopt this approach, and so to help you further I’m now going to explain some ways as to how you can become proactively resilient.
Being proactive may not eliminate all issues - but it can help you resolve issues more effectively and efficiently and, in turn, better manage the company’s reputation.
This reputation is money - so ensure you take time out to think proactively.
Here are my top tips to becoming proactive in the workplace:
How curious are you? Photo Josh Mills Unsplash
Be Curious
Proactive people crave knowledge, enjoy learning, and are constantly open to new information.
Being proactive requires you to look beyond the current situation – scoping the horizon so you’ll always be ready for any challenges that the future may bring.
Being proactive is a mindset – you constantly need to be ‘ahead of the game’ and strive to seek more.
Cross organisation knowledge
Ensure you know the entire scope of your organisation – not just the individual part you might be responsible for.
This will allow you to expand your knowledge about how the whole organisation – and individuals within it – can work together to achieve a common goal.
Get to know all your colleagues – what ‘makes them tick,’ what motivates them, their strengths, and their weaknesses. Again, this will help you tackle any challenges which the future may bring.
Your job is to maintain the reputation of the company.
Reputation involves the smooth running of the company - which requires cross-functional relationships.
Be Inquisitive
Successful, proactive people are intentional about gathering information.
They ask questions, learn what other’s concerns are, what has happened in the past, and what people’s suggestions are for future improvement.
Connect The Dots
Once you obtain information from the points above, you must consider how the information works together.
Proactive people connect the dots to uncover what could happen in the future.
How does knowing about a potential government regulation impact your course of action for product development? How might the outlook for financial markets impact your budget? How is long-term virtual work not only going to impact your people but also your users and future product development?
The world doesn’t work in silos. The success and sustainability of a company cannot rely on one function. Successful companies have their internal functions working together and employees who think proactively to anticipate issues.
Test Your Theories
Once you gather information to help you think towards the future, you might arrive at a theory about what may happen.
For example, you might learn that a competitor is entering the market.
Identify the most unique elements of your products, and start to consider them in your company’s marketing campaigns. Do you see an increase in sales? Is one demographic becoming more engaged than in the past? This might help you to navigate upcoming competition in the marketplace.
Successful professionals develop the skills to think ahead. Appreciate knowledge, engage with people of different backgrounds, ask questions, make connections, and test out your idea.
Look out for the final blog in my latest series on resilience – “The Benefits of Proactive Resilience.”
In the meantime, if you’d like to explore the subject of resilience more deeply, please contact me via Email: russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.