Written by: Francis Eijsackers, Expert Contributor
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As a seasoned leader, I’ve learned that leadership is about bouncing back from setbacks, maintaining your mental health, and inspiring others to do the same. Let’s explore the world of resilience and discover how it can transform both your leadership journey and personal life!
The Resilience Revolution
Resilience is not about being invincible; it’s about being flexible, adaptable, and bouncing back stronger than ever.
In the rollercoaster world of leadership, resilience is what keeps you grounded when things get bumpy.
Mental Health: Your Leadership Fuel
Just as a car can’t run on an empty tank, a leader can’t perform at their best with depleted mental resources.
Mental health isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of effective leadership. When we prioritise our mental health, we’re better equipped to handle stress, make clear decisions, and inspire our teams.
The Resilience-Leadership Connection
Resilient leaders are like inflatable punching bags – no matter how many times they get knocked down, they pop right back up, ready for more.
They create a positive ripple effect, boosting team morale and productivity. It’s like being the captain of a ship who stays calm during a storm – your crew will feel more secure and perform better.
My Fantastic Five: Resilience Boosters for Leaders
1. Schedule Your “Recharge Rituals”: Block out time each day for activities that replenish your mental and emotional energy. It could be meditation, reading, or even a quick dance party in your office (feel free to close the blinds!).
2. Gratitude Grooves: Start a daily gratitude practice. It’s like giving your brain a positivity massage. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day, no matter how small.
Even on tough days, there’s always something to appreciate – like that perfect cup of tea or a colleague’s terrible pun that made you smile.
3. Relationship Renovations: Invest in your support network. Strong relationships are like emotional shock absorbers, helping you navigate bumpy roads. Make time for meaningful connections with your ‘people’ – friends, family, and colleagues.
4. Mindful Moments: Incorporate mindfulness into your routine. Try short breathing exercises or mindful walking. You’ll be amazed at how a few minutes of presence can transform your day.
5. Failure Reframe: Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. Instead of beating yourself up over mistakes, ask, “What can I learn from this?” It’s like turning life’s lemons into a leadership growth smoothie.
And here’s a pun for you: FAIL stands for “First Attempt In Learning!”
The Calmfidence Connection
As some of you might know from my previous articles on Calmfidence World Magazine, I’m a big believer in the power of calm confidence.
Resilience and calmfidence go hand in hand – they’re like the dynamic duo of leadership superpowers.
When you’re resilient, you naturally exude more calmfidence, and when you’re calmfident, you become more resilient. It’s a beautiful, self-reinforcing cycle.
Now, let’s whip up a resilience recipe for your daily life:
1. Start your day with a gratitude smoothie – blend in those three things you’re thankful for.
2. Sprinkle in some mindfulness moments throughout your day – think of them as flavour enhancers for your mind.
3. For your main course, serve up a hearty portion of meaningful connections – reach out to a friend or mentor.
4. Don’t forget your side of physical activity – whether it’s a brisk walk or a full workout, it’s essential for your mental health.
5. For dessert, indulge in some self-compassion – treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.
The Resilience Ripple Effect
Remember, as a leader, your resilience doesn’t just benefit you – it creates a ripple effect throughout your entire organisation.
When you model resilience, you give your team permission to be human, to make mistakes, and to grow from them. You’re fostering a psychologically safe environment where innovation can thrive.
Building resilience is like training for a marathon – it takes time, practice, and persistence.
Some days you’ll feel like you’re sprinting ahead, and others you might feel like you’re trudging through mud. But remember, every step forward counts.
As you embark on your resilience journey, keep in mind that it’s not about being perfect. It’s about progress, learning, and sometimes, having a good laugh at yourself along the way.
After all, if we can’t find humour in life’s challenges, we’re missing out on some of the best material!
So, my fellow leaders, are you ready to flex those resilience muscles? Trust me, your future self (and your team) will thank you for it.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my gratitude journal and a quick office dance party. This is my “how to” to building resilience, one step (or dance move) at a time!
About the Author
Francis Eijsackers, MBA, is an award-winning entrepreneur and mental health professional, with a passion for networking and connecting with people globally. With extensive experience managing over 700 people, Francis is an invaluable resource for tackling questions about leadership, integrity, and mental health for leaders. Her motto? Never stop learning—commit to lifelong development.
Get connected with Francis on LinkedIn
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