A train does not have the resiliency of an all wheel drive truck. When a train derails the engineer does not have the ability to maneuver the train back on the tracks. Whether the issues are minor or major, some leaders get derailed and have a hard time bouncing back from setbacks. Other leaders have the mindset of an off-road truck, full well knowing the road is rough so they are better prepared. Leaders that have resiliency have the ability to see around corners, adapt and overcome tight situations. People around you are watching for resiliency juice to exude from you as you handle pressure situations. Your followers and those who lead you are paying close attention to your choice of coping mechanisms. They are scrutinizing your patterns of behavior when life or your job has thrown you in a ditch. By asking yourself the below questions you will increase your self-awareness and you will be able fight with the right weapons.
1.Did my response to the issue make the problem better or worse?
2.Did I deliberately piss off someone?
3.In my anger and resentment, did I lose my cool?
4.Did I break a guiding principle that I have taught my team?
5.Do my responses reflect an ongoing destructive pattern of behavior?
6.Do I get depressed after I belligerently argue my case?
7.Do I grapple with issues, people and situations that are clearly out of my control?
“As a leader, controversy, conflict and change are inevitable; nonetheless, our ability to how we respond is a choice. We have the power to control how we think and the way we respond.” – Rod Sullivan
