Obviously, times are tough just now. This year has felt like a hard slog for many, and it feels as though we are all desperately trying to tie up the loose ends so we can finish for Christmas and say goodbye (and good riddance!) to 2020.  

This year has been intense, with all sorts of anxieties for senior leaders. Will I be able to manage a team remotely? Will I be made redundant? Will the company even survive through all the lockdowns and restrictions?  

It’s felt at times like we have just been clinging on, riding the rapids, and hoping we will make it through. This year has been about surviving, not thriving, and the intensity of this means that although many are feeling like their resilience reservoir has somewhat dried up, there hasn’t been any time to work on replenishing it.  

This situation is a catch 22, because by taking a bit of time to develop resilience, leaders could learn to ride the rapids more easily, and feel like they are in command rather than just clinging on and hoping things get better soon. It would actually make time management much easier in future. 

Being a leader through times like this is exceptionally tough. We are rarely taught how to deal with life’s pressures and stressors effectively. Sometimes it feels like the strategies we are taught bring even more stress and pressure! I believe this is down to three things:

1)    We are rarely encouraged to play to our Strengths

2)    We are told to focus on the things we are weaker at, which is demoralising and demotivating

3)    Often our values and Purpose are not aligned to our role 

Building resilience addresses these issues, which then enables us to perform better in all areas of life, and particularly in leadership roles. Developing resilience is not a luxury or indulgence, it is an essential skill for good leadership, and will improve performance of both you and your team, while reducing stress levels, and making work more meaningful, rewarding and productive.  

I always use my Resilience Wheel as the basis to support clients through this process, as it helps us to examine the global context of frustrations and challenges, then focus on developing strengths, skills and resilience so you can thrive in your career, instead of just surviving!  

This then enables you to develop peak performance skills that improve your ability to ‘ride the rapids’ ie face whatever challenges work, and life, brings you. 

While it may seem as though investing time in your own development is a luxury you can’t afford right now, I would say with Christmas hopefully bringing a quieter period and some respite for many, it could be the ideal time. Working on your resilience now could help you start the New Year with a renewed sense of Purpose and confidence.

Wouldn’t that be a great Christmas present to give yourself this year?