By Lyndsey Hall
We live in uncertain times. As such, business leaders need to be able to deal with temporary setbacks and recover quickly when things go wrong.
Managers are faced with different challenges every day. These might include managing conflicts, dealing with increasing regulatory change or difficult trading conditions. Having the ability to cope effectively when under pressure is essential. So how do you become a more resilient manager?
Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence, the ability to empathise with others, to understand their circumstances and put yourself in their shoes, is essential for any leader of people. Try imagining how you would feel in your team member’s position, and if you can’t imagine it then ask! Communication is key when you manage a team of different personalities.
Why not try a team building exercise like Insights Discovery – you’ll bond as a team, and be left with a clear picture of your employees’ personas and how best to approach them as individuals.
Focus on your strengths
In the face of adversity, remember the strengths that have gotten you where you are and ask yourself how they can be applied to overcome the current challenge. There are an infinite number of leadership styles, and no single correct way to lead a team, so don’t try to emulate another manager you know, be yourself and let your true leadership style shine.
Take time to reflect
Whether you’re celebrating success or enduring tough challenges, make time to reflect. Reflection fosters learning and helps you to develop new perspectives and a degree of self-awareness that can enhance your resilience and boost your leadership skills.
Don’t ignore the negative
Resilient managers see negatives and risks, but don’t dwell on them. Instead focus on reframing issues in a more proactive direction. Negative challenges are best seen as opportunities to learn.
Define your purpose
Developing a sense of purpose gives your work meaning and helps you put it into a larger context. A clear sense of purpose helps you to assess setbacks within the framework of a broader perspective. It also helps others in your firm to understand what you are trying to achieve.
Build relationships
Resilient business leaders build relationships with colleagues and bring those colleagues along with them. Developing good relationships with colleagues creates a strong base of support which is critical in helping managers to achieve objectives, develop perspective and make difficult decisions.
Do you have any more tips for new managers and leaders? What challenges did you come across when you first started out as a leader? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook and Twitter.
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