Psychological Resilience Is Your Most Valuable Workplace Asset. Here Are 5 Techniques to Strengthen It
By Neri Karra
In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, defined by unprecedented technological advancements, shifting climates, geopolitical changes, and evolving work models, there’s one quality that stands out as a make-or-break asset: psychological resilience. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the workforce, resilience—the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and transform adversity into opportunity—is crucial for thriving in our complex and unpredictable job market.
Unparalleled leaps in automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping traditional roles and industries at a rapid pace. Alongside other global factors such as climate change, geopolitical shifts, and the ongoing fallout from the global pandemic, resilience has emerged as an increasingly valued trait. Research reveals that the businesses that not only survive, but thrive, are those that continuously adapt to challenging environments.
Resilient employees play a critical role in fostering an organization’s capacity to engage in ongoing development, survive major crises, and flourish under uncertain circumstances. At the organizational level, companies fostering a culture of resilience are more likely to innovate and successfully adapt to evolving market trends. This highlights the need to see employee resilience as a real-world, on-the-job skill. More than just bouncing back from tough times, it’s about growing, learning, and becoming stronger over time through our work experiences.
Psychological resilience also plays a critical role in effective stress management within the “always-on” work culture that characterizes many industries today. Studies have shown that resilient individuals are better equipped to cope with stress and are more able to view challenges as opportunities, rather than threats. This mindset doesn’t just help prevent burnout; it also enhances productivity and overall wellbeing.
The advantages of resilience extend beyond individuals to teams and organizations. Resilient teams, like those seen at NASA during the Apollo 13 crisis, can rapidly adapt to changes, adjust strategies as required, and maintain productivity amid adversity. In the face of uncertainty and volatility, resilience offers a competitive edge, enabling individuals and organizations to adapt, recover, and thrive amidst adversity. Building resilience equips us with the necessary tools to navigate the future, regardless of its unpredictability.
So, how can we cultivate psychological resilience? Here are some key strategies.
1. EMBRACE REALITY
One of the first steps to enhancing resilience is developing the ability to accept and work with reality. As Eckhart Tolle suggests, “Accept—then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.”
In the workplace, this means acknowledging your current circumstances, no matter how challenging they might be, and then proactively seeking solutions rather than dwelling on the negatives. For example, if you’ve been laid off, instead of spiraling into a mindset of despair, recognize the situation for what it is: a moment of change, not an end.
This acceptance isn’t about passivity; it’s the foundation for informed action. Once you’ve embraced the reality of your situation, you’re better positioned to devise a constructive response. This might mean upgrading your skills, pivoting careers, or even starting a venture of your own.
In essence, resilience starts with an acceptance of the present, which allows you to break down challenges into steps rather than obstacles. Resilience continues with taking proactive action that transforms (and ultimately protects) your career trajectory. This proactive acceptance of reality can significantly enhance your adaptability and resilience in an ever-evolving workplace landscape.
2. GROUND YOUR ACTIONS IN YOUR CORE VALUES
Having a clear understanding of your core values isn’t just about personal integrity—it’s a resilience-building strategy. Just as brands that stand the test of time stay aligned with their values and purpose, the same principle applies to individual resilience.
Think of your core values as your personal compass, guiding your decisions and actions, especially during challenging times. When you’re clear about what you stand for, it gives you a robust framework to navigate uncertainty and change. Instead of being swayed by external circumstances, you can make choices that align with what truly matters to you.
For instance, if one of your core values is continuous learning, you’re more likely to see a layoff as an opportunity to upskill or pivot careers, rather than a failure.
Staying true to your values not only helps you weather adversity, but it also ensures you’re progressing in a direction that is meaningful and satisfying to you. This alignment fosters a sense of purpose and satisfaction that can power you through challenges and towards a rewarding career trajectory.
Knowing and living by your values is a key factor in personal resilience. It provides an inner stability and a sense of direction, enabling you to turn challenges into opportunities that align with your purpose and passions.
3. BE PROACTIVE AND OPTIMISTIC
In today’s fast-paced business world, it’s essential to employ a proactive, forward-thinking mindset. Adopting Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s mantra, “Don’t be a know-it-all; be a learn-it-all,” can be a game-changer in the face of workplace challenges.
Employees who continually update their skills and knowledge display a proactive personality. This proactive approach is linked to building strong networks, seeking regular feedback, and identifying opportunities amid change—all critical elements of resilience.
Additionally, fostering a sense of optimism significantly influences how resilient we can be in our careers. Optimistic employees are more likely to approach challenges with a positive, problem-solving attitude and are generally better at coping with stress and adversity. Your attitude can directly shape how you interpret and react to situations, so cultivating a positive outlook isn’t just good for your wellbeing—it’s a strategic move for career resilience.
Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, running your own business, or pivoting into a new field, remember to keep learning and maintain an optimistic view. These attitudes are not only essential for resilience but can also open doors to endless future opportunities.
4. REMAIN OPEN-MINDED
Navigating today’s dynamic job market calls for a mindset that welcomes change and new opportunities. Being open-minded about alternate ways of doing business or making a career shift can be incredibly rewarding.
Consider Carly Stein Kemer, who made a significant leap from a corporate role at Goldman Sachs to starting her own wellness business called Beekeeper’s Natural. This shift might seem unconventional, but it’s an example of what’s possible when you stay open to new experiences and opportunities.
Such career pivots may not always seem the most straightforward or safest paths, but they can lead to discovering passions and industries you might never have considered. Plus, these transitions can offer invaluable lessons, unique experiences, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.
If you want to be more resilient at work, embrace the unexpected. Remain open to learning from new experiences, and don’t shy away from charting your own unique career path. Who knows? Your willingness to explore might just lead you to your life’s most fulfilling work.
5. CRAFT YOUR FUTURE WITH INTENTIONAL GOALS
Having a clear vision of where you want to be in the future is a powerful tool for cultivating resilience. Setting future-oriented goals allows you to create a roadmap for your career and life, highlighting your values, purpose, and aspirations.
Here’s an exercise you can try: Imagine your ideal day five or ten years from now. What does it look like? Who are you spending time with? What are you working on? How do you feel? Take a moment each morning to jot down these thoughts in a journal, starting afresh each day without referring to previous entries.
This method, shared by my colleague and executive coach Alisa Cohn, encourages you to explore different perspectives and possibilities for your future. You’re essentially designing your life, breaking it down into tangible, day-to-day experiences. This helps to clarify what you truly desire, setting you on a path to resilience and success that aligns with your values and dreams.
By setting future-oriented goals and actively visualizing them, you create a mental blueprint for your path forward. This not only boosts your resilience in the face of changes or challenges, but also energizes your journey toward a future you’ve envisioned for yourself.
As we navigate the rapidly shifting business landscape, psychological resilience isn’t merely a survival tactic—it’s a critical skill that fosters growth, innovation, and the ability to turn adversity into advantage.
Embracing reality, being grounded in your values, adopting a proactive and optimistic approach, staying open-minded, and crafting intentional goals can help you cultivate resilience. These tools allow us to adapt and thrive in the face of uncertainty, making us invaluable assets in any workplace. As we navigate our careers amid the whirlwind of change, let’s remember that it is our resilience that will guide us, helping us transform challenge into opportunity, and steering us toward success.