Reflection and Resilience: Leaders Take Note

If the start of a new year is a time for resolutions, then the end of the year is a time for reflection. I know of nothing more conducive to reflection than a refrigerator full of holiday leftovers (particularly of the baked and sugared variety), which also serves as a great catalyst (indeed, imperative) for subsequent resolutions and short-lived gym memberships.

Reflection is a critical element of resilience. Resilience is a word we’ve heard a lot the last two years as we have all struggled to cope with the widespread effects of the COVID pandemic. But what is resilience, why is it important, and what role does reflection play in building resilience?

WHAT IS RESILIENCE?

Resilience is defined as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress. This does not mean avoiding these difficult situations or going through the emotional turmoil that comes with them, but about getting through them while also achieving personal growth or improvement. Fortunately, resilience isn’t one of those traits that some people have while others don’t. Instead, resilience is a muscle: we all can build it. The APA identifies certain core components as integral to resilience:

1. Connections – having good relationships and being able and willing to ask for and accept help
2. Wellness – both physical and mental wellness are important, which means you must take care of yourself
3. Healthy thinking – having a positive view of yourself and maintaining a hopeful outlook are critical
4. Meaning – we all need to have a purpose, by looking for opportunities of self-discovery and moving intentionally toward our goals we strive toward finding the meaning we seek

WHY IS RESILIENCE IMPORTANT?

Resilience enables us to confront difficult situations without becoming overwhelmed. This means that one is better able to persist in the face of adversity and adapt to changing circumstances. High resilience also translates to direct health benefits: those with resilience have better physical health, while those with chronic stress experience weakened immune system, insomnia, and heart disease. Resilience is also important for mental health, minimizing the chance of anxiety and depression. Overall, resilience is associated with positive health benefits and life satisfaction.

THE ROLE OF REFLECTION IN BUILDING RESILIENCE

While resilience is the ultimate good sought, the importance that reflection plays in developing this muscle shouldn’t be overlooked. It is through reflection that we engage in careful thought and consideration about something. In the case of self-reflection, we carefully consider our character, actions, and motives.

Through reflection we have the opportunity of self-discovery as well as reframing situations that allow us to learn and grow. Without reflection, including self-knowledge, there can be no resilience – only stunted insensibility.

REFLECTION, RESILIENCE, AND LEADERSHIP

“The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.” – Thomas Paine

This leads me to the role of reflection and resilience when it comes to leaders and leadership. Over the course of the past year, in response to the challenges of the Pandemic and the Great Resignation, a lot has been written about how one can cultivate greater personal resilience and work life balance. Less attention is given to the role that leaders play in integrating systems of resilience within a work place, or of the role of self-reflection and resilience in one’s leadership development. This isn’t an easy thing to do and often leaders, and those in leadership positions, struggle with this.

I think that this deficit is partly because, when we think of leadership it is often tied to ideas of strength, activity, certainty, and charisma. In an uncertain world (and the world, pandemic or not, is always uncertain) we gravitate to those that offer the assurance of certainty and strength. For this reason, reflection, or challenging oneself or one’s authority or decisions – is often not something that is stressed in the development of ‘leaders.’ Primacy is given instead to communicating stability, certainty, and authority.

This is a mistake. Reflection is required for any change. And there is no leadership without change or transformation. Otherwise, regardless of the title, authority, or inspirational and aspirational quotes, it is just an exercise in management.

Therefore, to be a leader, much less a good leader, we must engage in self-reflection. We must collaborate and reflect with our teams. Reflection enables growth and growth is what resilience is all about.

As we conclude 2021, I encourage us all to create space in our day, our lives, and our teams for reflection as a steppingstone for building greater resilience and the creation of positive change throughout our circles of influence.