The dynamics in the workplace are ever-changing. Each day there are new obstacles and challenges that arise, whether they be with individuals, teams or at the management level. Change is inevitable, and how that changes occurs greatly impacts the culture of the workplace. To cope, leaders need to be confident, agile and resilient to forge the path and move their teams forward to success.

Leaders set the pace and tone for their team. They lead by example, communicating, demonstrating and living their core values with vulnerability and empathy. The qualities a leader wants to instill in their team are the very same characteristics they must emulate daily. Common desirable traits among management are: cultivating trust, earning respect, effective communication, collaboration, fostering relationships and building resiliency. Leaders must juggle building their own skills with the development of their team’s strengths.

Every day there are obstacles to overcome, setbacks to consider and/or disappointments to address. In a constant state of change, resilience becomes a vital trait. How you effectively respond to mistakes, changes and disruptive life events defines your resiliency.Your ability to effectively bounce back, hinges on your ability to positively redirect your thoughts and behaviors through times of change.

So, how do you learn how to be adaptable? Below are a few tips to further develop and strengthen your resiliency as a leader and with your team.

Attitude & Focus

Attitude dictates outcomes. There are things in life you can control, things that you can’t and yet other things that you are able to influence. Every moment, focus on what you can control and influence (Influence Model). Stewing on things outside of our control is a great way to self-sabotage.  Practice self-awareness and perspective, and it will help instill the power of optimism. Instead of ruminating on the to-dos, list the wonderful moments of the day. Create a gratefulness journal, or share the highlights with a friend.

Effectively Communicate Vision & Purpose

Give clarity on your purpose and intentions with your team. This means defining the scope of what the change will bring. When the team understands the goals, they can face the struggles of change because they have clarity on the end goal. Communication goes both ways. Be sure to listen to your team’s concerns and address them as needed.

Congruency of Values

Live your values in what you do every day and create a culture that supports it. The leader is the protector of both the vision and values. You are the embodiment of the organization. Keep you mission at the center of your choices and actions.

Open for Feedback

Create a safe environment that is open to both giving and receiving feedback respectfully. This is especially important when communicating a conflict. It is important to align the team to provide support, encouragement and connection.

Building Relationships Vertically and Horizontally

Leading with vulnerability is essential to build trust, respect and connection. When others know their leader is approachable, open to feedback and willing to share, the investment of connection fosters positive relationships. People want to follow people they can relate with, and believe in. Working on these relationships builds confidence and support.

Strength Training

Knowing your strengths as a leader is important, but it is also important to key in on the talents of your team. Developing those talents into further strengths gives your team endless energy to focus, collaborate and innovate. Everyone is good at something, but not everyone is good at everything. (Clifton StrengthsFinder®)

With the dynamics ever-changing in the workplace, resiliency is vital to sustaining the journey to success. It’s how you choose to lead and develop your team proactively that can make a difference in reaching the end goal.

As a leader, building resiliency is about focus, determination and skill to make adjustments to your sail no matter what the weather may give you. Robin Bush