Building Resilience in Turbulent Times

You have to be able to lead yourself before you can lead others.

Patrick Nelson, founder of Loyalty Point Leadership, shared timely advice for developing resilient behaviors during his presentation, “Building Resilience in Turbulent Times,” at the MPI-CC chapter meeting on January 28.

The ability to be resilient in the face of adversity is a vital characteristic of high performing leaders. Nelson urged the audience to be mindful of their energy management, monitoring their body, emotions, mind and spirit.

He recommended the following practices:
• Recognize what you enjoy about your job and do it as much as you can.
• During time off, do things you enjoy.
• Change the stories you tell yourself. Shift your perspective by changing your language. Instead of “I have to work today” say “I get to work today.”
• Spend a week going to bed earlier than usual.
• Make good choices when it comes to diet and exercise. Start with one choice.

“Resilient leaders have the ability to sustain their energy level under pressure to be able to cope with disruptive changes and adapt to them,” Nelson said.

He explained, resilient leaders bounce back from setbacks, view failures and setbacks as learning opportunities. They also respond instead of reacting in situations. They’ve learned to override the automatic, emotional, visceral reaction, and focus on solving the issue with a forward-looking accountability mindset.

Developing resilient behaviors does not make the adversity go away, he explained. However, it does create an opportunity for collaboration and the development of new ideas and improved processes.

“Leaders help others prepare mentally,” Nelson shared. “We help make them feel safe. Struggles are a way of life and we have to learn how to confront them. Sometimes the most challenging things can hold the greatest opportunity for success.”