Cultivating a Culture of Resilience Amid Change

Oct 15, 2024 | Leadership, Performance Management

This week, I had the privilege of presenting a program on change management to an association. One of the exercises I conducted invited participants to reflect on the changes that have occurred over the past decade. What new technologies have emerged? Which professions have evolved? How has medicine transformed? Take a moment to think about this yourself.

Naturally, many participants mentioned advancements like AI, electric vehicles, self-driving cars, streaming services, and the convenience of ordering food directly from our phones instead of through the waitstaff at a restaurant. How did you feel about these changes when they first appeared? What are your thoughts on them now?

One thing is certain: change and stress will continue to arrive at unprecedented speeds. Instead of viewing change as a source of stress or annoyance, we can take proactive steps to enhance our flexibility and resilience.

Here are some strategies to boost your resilience at home and work:

  • Express Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge what is going well in your life in order to cultivate a positive outlook.
  • Prioritize Well-Being: Ensure that you get enough sleep, engage in regular exercise, and eat a balanced diet.
  • Challenge Your Perspective: Engage with puzzles or other activities that encourage you to see things differently.
  • Change Your Routine: Take different routes to work, the grocery store, or the gym to shake things up and stimulate your mind.
  • Use Positive Language: Shift your phrasing to welcome change. By changing our language, we can transform our mindset, making us more adaptable. For example:
    • Instead of saying “We’ve always done it that way,” try “What aspects of our current approach should we preserve?”
    • Replace “We don’t have the budget for that,” with “How can we break this down and start with what we have?”
    • Instead of “Our old manager wouldn’t let us do that,” say “I appreciate the new options being presented.”

I invite you to share a moment when you noticed positivity and flexibility in your workplace. How did it impact your experience?

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