Page 13 - BOSS Today Issue 49

DOWN TO BUSINESS BOSS Today #49

How can you be more

resilient at work, and

encourage others to

be the same?

he ancient Greek philosopher improved with conscious effort and often avoid a problem and hope it will
THeraclitus was right – the only experience as we respond to stressful, go away, but of course this rarely works.
constant in life is change. Perhaps high-pressure and impactful events. Adopting a practical approach and getting
nowhere has that been more apt than So how can you be more resilient at things moving will help restore a sense
in the modern British workplace over work, and encourage others to be the of control. Once our response feels under
the last five years: the EU referendum, same? control, we’re far better placed to tackle
Brexit preparations, three elections and the problem effectively.
then COVID-19 have made sure that 1) Acknowledge and accept that
uncertainty is no longer a temporary blip, some events are inevitably beyond 4) Favour small steps over a giant leap
but the new status quo. your control. Adapting to and coping with difficult
So how do some people seem to ride Resisting change is often futile and circumstances is often best achieved by
the wave of uncertainty, remain calm and can drain your energy in the process, setting small, realistic and achievable goals
stress-free, and perhaps even make a but you may be able to adapt in order rather than trying to get from A to B in a
success of the situation, while the rest of to overcome obstacles. Keep things single giant leap which may possibly result
us struggle to bounce back and carry on in in perspective – when life goes pear- in failure.
the face of adversity? shaped, it’s easy to default to an overly
The people who seem to thrive, no negative response. Make a realistic 5) Use your support network
matter what, are often full to the brim of assessment of the impact. How will all Our personal resilience is bolstered when
a personal quality known as resilience. this look in a year’s time? we are supported by others, because a
They are adept at effectively handling problem shared is a problem halved. Your
difficult experiences, regulating their 2) Know your personal strengths friends, family and colleagues can also
thoughts and emotions and viewing and past experiences help keep things in perspective, so nurture
challenges as opportunities rather than Self-belief is fundamental to developing a support network in the good times
threats. resilience against life’s unexpected because it will be vital in the bad times.
Whether you’re an employer or knocks. Have faith in your own abilities
employee, personal resilience can have a to deal with and overcome challenges. How resilient are you? Find out
big effect on the resilience of a business Similarly, draw upon your experiences with a fun Resilience Quiz at
as a whole. Earlier this year, insurance of comparable events and situations – https://www.mindtools.com/pages/
giant Aviva surveyed 1,000 businesses after all, this won’t be the first challenge article/resilience-quiz.htm
and found that the workforce’s personal or setback you’ve experienced at work.
resilience was one of six key factors that The solutions might not be the same this For resources on mental health and the
impacted how well the business prepared time, but experience might generate the COVID-19 pandemic click here
for – and adapted to – change. confidence to move forward.
Fortunately, resilience isn’t thought to For further information, please contact
be something we’re born with or without. 3) Act now Carys Davis, Public Affairs Adviser, at
It can be developed, strengthened and When we’re not behaving resiliently, we carys@bossfederation.co.uk

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