Resilient leaders can adapt their organizations to quickly changing environments. During this pandemic in which Covid-19 rules the world, there is a larger appeal to resilient leadership than ever before. Research into qualities and biases related to resilient leadership have led to the formulation of five distinctive building blocks to achieve decisions. This article is a comprehensive version of the article written together with Anne van Galen, owner of the ResilienceAcademy published at Arbo-online (Dutch text) .

The five building blocks serve as a basis to achieve the best possible decision under time pressure and uncertainty. A decision not based on tunnel vision, daily rumors, social pressure or other non-valid arguments but based on European Scientific Research into decision making during high risk situations with high uncertainty. The results of that research have been translated into a serious game, developed by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health & Environment (RIVM) in cooperation with organizational psychologists, safety experts and specialists. This Resilience game is guided by certified trainers.

Tips for resilient leaders

To be resilient one must be able to cope with high risks and uncertainties. Ability can be defined as something on the broad spectrum between damage control and seeking new opportunities.

Building block 1: Give yourself time

Take time out, go for a hike and put the virus news on standstill. This will free the mind and you will be able to have a fresh look at your real challenges.

Building block 2: Seek different perspectives

Although you might have been hit hard by the current crisis, allow yourself to be able and willing to attack the problems you encounter and look at different perspectives. Don’t run in circles! Check with others. Attach to your network to achieve various scenarios.

Building block 3: Think in scenario’s, do not forget the details

Seriously work on the various scenarios. What are the risks? What uncertainties do you have? Where is time running out and where can you ‘buy’ extra time? Which opportunities arise? Can you take mitigating actions to control the damage? Who or what do you need to head forward? How will you monitor progress the plan you made? Is there a possibility for changing the plan during the way forward? Think of three options at least, you will have the opportunity to choose. Take at least  a broad perspective to have the option to work out and adjust as necessary.

Building block 4: The devil’s advocate

Ask critical colleagues or friends to look at your plan, check and discuss if it will endure the test of time. Adjust where needed or choose another scenario if your plan failed the test. Check it with your company strategy and purpose, align where needed.

Building block 5: Monitoring

Keep checking your chosen scenario. Be alert on mental and physical health at regular intervals. Ensure you have a structured approach in place to adapt, adjust and monitor the way forward. Communicate with your colleagues, clients and other stakeholders.

Being resilient is a capacity you can learn as an individual, team and organization. The advantage of driven by resilience is that you will be able to cope with sudden changes and adapt to new environments with ease. Mizzen Global offers the opportunity to assess your organizations capability on resilience. We also provide for individual assessment and team training in close cooperation with the Resilience Academy.

Learn what we can do for you!

Contact Thom Koning at +31 6 227 759 89 or via email; thom@mizzenglobal.eu