As I have shared in previous blogs, I am a HUGE fan & paying member of the Culture Study by Anne Helen Petersen. So I was thrilled to see that she recently interviewed Soraya Chemaly, author of "The Resilience Myth: New Thinking on Grit, Strength, and Growth after Trauma." This new book released in May 2024 was on my summer reading list and I highly recommend it.
I have been thinking a lot lately about resilience, the power of community (check out my recent blog about the Weavers) and all the messaging we get about grit, resilience, and agility in our work and daily lives. It's just a bit overwhelming and sometimes, shame inducing!
Resilience is a critical skill for executives navigating today's ever-changing world. But Chemaly highlights the dangers of framing resilience solely as an individual trait – the "cult of individualism" that emphasizes self-reliance and stoicism. This perspective not only creates unrealistic expectations but also overlooks the power of collective action.
The Limits of Individualistic Resilience
Chemaly argues that the pressure to be constantly resilient can be counterproductive. It leads to a "survival of the fittest" mentality, where individuals are blamed for failing to adapt to overwhelming circumstances. In reality, chronic stress and trauma take a toll on our bodies and minds, making true individual resilience nearly impossible.
The Power of Cognitive Flexibility
Here's where cognitive flexibility comes in. This crucial skill involves the ability to adapt your thinking and strategies to different situations.
Leaders who are cognitively flexible can:
Shift between optimism and pessimism: Optimism fuels motivation, but pessimism allows for realistic risk assessment and contingency planning.
Embrace "both/and" thinking: Complex challenges often require solutions that go beyond traditional dichotomies. A cognitively flexible leader can consider multiple perspectives and approaches.
Seek support and collaboration: Resilience isn't about going it alone. Building a strong network of colleagues and fostering a culture of mutual care allows leaders to tap into collective resources and share burdens.
Moving beyond individualism: Chemaly highlights how younger generations are leading the way in this shift. They've grown up facing global issues like climate change and social injustices, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and a focus on social movements and community building.
Practical Tips for Leaders
Here are some ways leaders can cultivate cognitive flexibility and build a more resilient team:
Encourage open communication: Create a safe space for team members to express concerns and share ideas.
Normalize taking breaks: Encourage team members to prioritize well-being and recharge.
Invest in diversity and inclusion: A diverse team brings a wider range of perspectives to the table, fostering more creative problem-solving.
Focus on collective goals: Shift the emphasis from individual performance to shared success as a team.
By prioritizing cognitive flexibility and moving beyond the limitations of individualistic resilience, leaders can create a more supportive and adaptable workplace, fostering long-term success for themselves and their teams. I encourage you to read this excellent book and incorporate many of the helpful tactics presented by Soraya Chemaly.
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