LEADING WITH RESILIENCE

Over the last several months, much of the world has encountered a once-in-a-lifetime workplace shift. Tens of millions of employees have been laid off, furloughed, or forced to accept cutbacks in hours and pay. Small businesses are struggling to stay afloat as owners are forced to dip into their personal savings. The lucky few who still have full time jobs may find themselves suddenly isolated, working from home with little to no interaction with their peers, colleagues, and mentors. 

These struggles have produced high levels of stress and anxiety, and have tested our collective resilience in unprecedented ways. As many businesses reopen, owners and managers will find themselves asking, “How can I get my team back on track?”

Here’s the good news: research shows that, even in casual work relationships, resilience is contagious.

In a recent study, behavioral statistician Joseph Folkman identified a list of the most “contagious behaviors” that improve workplace resiliency. According to Folkman, “When a person performs these behaviors well, their peers mirror these behaviors, and persons who perform these behaviors poorly seem to teach the opposite lesson.” 

As many of us head back to our offices and workplaces, leaders should consider the following steps to reengage and reinvigorate your workforce: 

1. Energy and enthusiasm is contagious, but so is low energy and lack of enthusiasm. Try to be positive and show up with a smile every day!

2. Strive to over-deliver. Wanting to improve yourself and your work product is contagious. So is the tendency to slack off and do the minimum it takes to get by. Set an example by taking pride in your work and striving for continuous improvement. 

3. Take on new challenges. Setting big goals encourages others to do the same.

4. Be a cheerleader for others. Celebrate big and little successes and make an effort to inspire others to high levels of achievement, 

6. Find ways to change and improve the status quo. Be brave enough to speak up and share new ideas. Courage is contagious! 

7. Don’t be afraid to ask your coworkers for feedback. Asking others’ opinions doesn’t make you appear weak; it actually demonstrates bravery and makes you a more effective leader. 

8. Take feedback to heart, and use it to improve yourself and your business. When employees see you taking action based on their feedback, they will feel valued and encouraged to work harder. 

9. Walk the walk. Endeavor to be a role model for other employees. Seeing you take charge and follow through will encourage others to try harder.  

10. Embrace change. Acknowledge areas where change is needed and make a plan. Change can be difficult but, if done correctly, can improve both your business and the resilience of those involved.

As businesses reopen, what steps will you take to model resilience and inspire others?