
This much I know: 9 leadership lessons from global CEOsâŻÂ
From absorbing stress to finding your authentic voice, nine leaders of global companies share the wisdom that has helped them excel in their roles.⯠...
Published September 19, 2022 in Brain Circuits ⢠3 min read
Resilience is the key factor to achieving many of our goals: inspiring leadership, a thriving business model, and top teams all require resilience, yet it isnât often at the forefront of our thoughts in business. It is precisely these qualities we rarely train for, or perceive as being either a given or too touchy feely to be a critical factor in determining success. So, for todayâs exercise, we are going to consider how resilient we are.
The exercise.
This is going to take some imagination, so close your eyes and picture this scenario:
You are on a mountain skiing and decide to enjoy a little race. You are zipping down the slope, feeling the wind whipping your face and feeling at the top of your game. Suddenly, your ski catches, you lose balance, and you are tumbling. When you come to a stop, what do you do?
Consider these options:
Your answers tell you a lot about where your resilience level is. Itâs not about whether or not you get up and finish (in this situation there isnât really an option to not get down the hill) itâs about how fast you get up, how fast you accept, learn, and bounce forward after a hit.
Now, think about some hits you have taken as a business leader. Did your reaction to these challenges match the one in your imaginary ski race? What is slowing you down from jumping into action when you hit a bump at work?
The first thing you need to do is focus on solutions. Positive thinking isnât just a platitude: itâs what helps top performing businesses see opportunities when others might see daunting challenges.
Figure out what recharges you to shift your energy and attitude faster and more easily.
When your energy is low, scattered or discouraged, your ability to get up again and find your way forward is greatly reduced. Â Low energy reduces our creativity and effectiveness. It is important for you to figure out what recharges your energy, Â especially when you find yourself more inclined to lie on the mountain and stare at the sky. Then again, if staring at the sky is what gives you the energy to make it to the bottom, do that. The lesson is figuring out how you can move on faster and stronger.
Further reading:Â
Thereâs a Name for the Blah Youâre Feeling: Itâs Called Languishing by Adam Grant (The New York Times)Â
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