I reviewed some learning modules recently with two experienced business colleagues, one of them was on the subject of resilience. I was inspired not only how insightful the material was, but how much discussion came off the simple process of reviewing the content together.
The ability to cope with and recover from a crisis describes a resilient person. Business resilience refers to crisis management and business continuity. A resilient business places emphasis on providing resources that help its people deal with inevitable change, especially in these challenging times.
The global pandemic is impacting business delivery and confidence. Setbacks are a commercial reality, rarely do projects go to plan, and events beyond our control will affect performance. The unexpected pressures and demands placed on people will have an impact on morale and potentially their physical and mental wellbeing.
Change means change
Constant change, while increasingly inevitable, is disruptive. To survive and thrive as individuals, connected clans and productive economies, we must learn to embrace our “new normal”. Our consumer marketplace has adopted evolving technologies out of necessity and at unprecedented speed. This consumer transformation will impact purchasing decisions and how we do business.
The sudden demise of DVD rentals as a result of affordable broadband is one example of disruptive technology changing not just established business models but entire industries. Increased use of video conferencing, working from home, online ordering, and home delivery from clothing to groceries will impact everything from manufacturing, supply chains to merchandising.
It’s not just the necessity of change due to lockdowns and travel restrictions; it is the recognition that new ways of doing things are convenient and effective. The shift in consumer behaviour will likely be permanent; individuals and businesses lacking the skills to be resilient will suffer the most.
Why is Resilience Important?
Businesses who have integrated the use of technology to communicate with their existing and prospective customers and have adapted to a contactless product and service delivery approach continue to operate, in some cases thrive. Those that have closed their doors waiting for life to return to “normal” will face the daunting prospect they may never recover.
Resilience is not just about coping. Dealing with the crisis is part of a survival strategy, recognising why it is impacting us and moving on from that with renewed strength and confidence is growth.
How to Develop Resilience.
I predict we are going to see an increase in the reference to and the importance of resilience. It is not a magic fix but a learned behaviour that must be taught as a skill and embraced by organisations as part of their culture. Resilience is not something we are born with; it is an adaptive behaviour that enables a mindset that accepts we need strategies in place to deal with change.
For individual resilience to flourish, managers need to be able to identify how to support individuals by building the confidence and skills of teams in which they work. Resilience is not a personality trait; it is a skill that can be learnt by anyone. Establishing self-paced learning forms part of a long term solution. Training and learning opportunities will equip people with information giving them the confidence to share and interact with others in a relevant and meaningful way.
Check out Skillpod.co.nz who have online or LMS ready learning modules called “The Resilient Mindset”, “The Building Blocks of Resilience”, and “Measuring Your Resilience”.
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