Change is constant, turbulence is normal, and hard work is essential, Resilience is often defined as the ability to bounce back after adversity. IBM, in a recent report defined resilience as “The ability of an organization’s business operations to rapidly adapt and respond to internal or external dynamic changes – opportunities, demands, disruptions or threats – and continue operations with limited impact to the business.”
I have learned from experience working with teams and businesses that success requires more than only bouncing back. Success requires us to lean in, move through and bounce forward during change, challenge, crisis and conflict. Reading through my MA Thesis/Action Research Project titled “Surviving the Boom” (2002); much of what I learned then has become essential now given the current economic situation.
Resilience is definitely key! Resilient people typically focus on solutions instead of getting pulled under by the problem, are flexible and adaptable, realistic and effective at managing their emotions. Resilient people have the attitude and belief that they can get through difficult times.
Here are seven Bounce Forward Strategies for September:
- Get Connected and Stay Connected- take time for relationships, communication and connections
- Reframe challenges to opportunities- learn from mistakes and experience
- Anticipate and plan for change
- Work towards goals – each day set mini goals, and take deliberate action to accomplish these task
- Break tasks down into smaller and bite size pieces
- Use Words that promote a Bounce Forward response
- Can, Am, Yes, Now
- Avoid words that bounce you back such as should, would, but…
- Reframe Situations and Thoughts- Ask yourself critical questions in times of challenge:
- Instead of asking “why…does this always happen?” try “why not? Or What can I learn from this?”
- Instead of thinking “It will never work” reframe the thought to “here’s three reasons it will work.”
In the next newsletter watch for Resilience Reminders and Bounce Forward Boosters- practical actions to propel your team from good to GREAT! Contact Charmaine to find out more and to provide your team with the Igniting Resilience and Bounce Forward Workshop Experience.