And why is resilience so important in the first place?
Resilience means being well equipped to deal with stressful challenges and recovering quickly from defeats or setbacks. This is a basic prerequisite for surviving and successfully moving forward in everyday (work) life. Because especially in times of strong change, teams in companies and organizations are exposed to numerous challenges. Staff shortages, a high workload or increasing digitalization are just a few examples. But the latest research shows – with the following four factors, you can improve the resilience of your team and set the course for the working world of tomorrow:
Optimism
Make successes achieved and future plans visible. For example, use team boards or regular newsletters for this purpose. Resilient teams are aware that positive and negative phases alternate and that every challenge holds an opportunity for change. However, it is important to take them along on this journey and to focus on the next positive phase during low phases.
Acceptance
Acceptance is improved by a positive attitude and by present and mindful interaction among team members. Discussions about unchangeable circumstances are kept to a minimum. Instead, the group focuses on solutions within the feasible. It is also important to ensure that emotions are allowed to be expressed and are also heard with full presence.
Sense
Meaning can be fostered by leaders and teams remembering the “why” and “wherefore” and incorporating it into their deliberations, projects and meetings. Understanding the “big picture” makes every contribution of every team member valuable. Those who experience the actual implementation of the company’s values on a daily basis, even in small ways, feel a sense of purpose in their work.
Solution orientation
Promote solution orientation through targeted and deliberate communication. Focus on possibilities, opportunities, contributions, conditions, impulses, visions, prerequisites and abilities. On the other hand, avoid terms like mistakes, failure, blame, resistance, problem, and past.
Try it out in your team. You will quickly notice successes. For a deeper insight, I recommend the reference book “Resilienz im Team” by Monika Huber (Springer Essentials, 2019, ISBN 978-3-658-24989-2).