Becoming a Resilient Leader

By Charmaine Grant  – Head of Relationship Management (QLD & NT),

Institute of Managers and Leaders

Being able to build resilience is a valuable skill for any type of leader. It enables a positive attitude and optimistic outlook no matter what struggles they are facing and they always find a way to move forward.

Resilience is an important trait to have for individuals, especially when you’re leading a team.

So how can you be a resilient leader –

• Be a good example: As a resilient leader you play a huge role in influencing your team in a positive way. By staying positive and finding ways to get the job done, this will motivate your team. At the same time, you’ll create an environment which creates a work-life balance and provides stress relieving techniques.
• Embrace Change: Workplaces are constantly changing, which can be extremely overwhelming to many team members. There will always be new technology, insights and competitors emerging and resilient leaders are able to adapt to this. If you can embrace change and continue making decisions without getting stressed, it will help to create a sense of calm amongst your team, keeping the organisation functioning and moving forward.
• Create a healthier, productive workforce: Resilient leaders equals a resilient workforce. Resilient teams are healthier, both physically and mentally, leading your team in taking fewer personal leave days, and being more happy, healthier and productive.

It’s not easy but here are the steps I’m taking to grow as a resilient leader –

• Self-Awareness. Having a clear perception of my personality, including strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivation, and emotions, allowing me to understand other people, how they perceive me, my attitude and my responses to them in the moment.
• Mindfulness. By being mindful, I am observing my thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Living in the moment and awakening to present experiences.
• Self-Care is unique to each individual and is our ability as human beings to function effectively in the world while meeting the multiple challenges of daily life with a sense of energy, vitality, and confidence.
• Positive Relationships are the people who support and care for us — and we care for them. By building these relationships with others, we will be happier and more fulfilled, feeling more supported, supportive, and connected.
• Purpose helps to shape my mindset and attitude which I have towards others and the events I experience. It’s about recognising that I belong to and serve something more than just myself.

By stepping forth and practising resilience, when faced with moments of uncertainty or ambiguity, you will become a stronger leader, learn to grow and adapt, not crumble through adversity.

Remembering that – ‘Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall’ – Confucius.

Charmaine Grant

Head of Relationship Management – Queensland & Northern Territory
Institute of Managers and Leaders

Charmaine has the opportunity each day to empower and inspire her team, members and communities to be better managers and leaders.

After many years of travelling the world and settling in Sydney working in Events and Communications, Charmaine relocated to the Sunshine State to be closer to her family 4 years ago and it was the best thing she has ever done.