3 Ways to Practice Resilience as a #GoldenLeader

October 26, 2021

re·​sil·​ience | \ ri-ˈzil-yən(t)s : an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

As we continue to experience social isolation from an ongoing pandemic, many of us are beginning to experience the full meaning of the word “resilience.” The dramatic ups and downs of our global situation, heated debates on fundamental ideas and our own personal challenges heightened by #socialdistancing are all giving us plenty of “misfortune or change” to recover from.

So, how do you as a #GoldenLeader, practice resilience? Here are three practical techniques that our former Marines, Arch and Susannah, offer to you from their military experience:

  1. Start with Self by establishing a daily (morning) ritual. We say ritual, versus routine, because a ritual is done with a sense of meaningful purpose behind the action. A daily ritual could look like meditation, journaling, preparing a special meal or drink, or engaging in physical fitness. As Marines, Arch & Susannah learned the value of getting “grounded” in a morning ritual–often involving 5 am wake ups and long runs–which help to keep troops centered when the proverbially “crap is hitting the fan.”
  2. Communicate, communicate, communicate…clearly and often. Chances are, your community is feeling many of the same challenges that you are. In times of crisis, communicating more clearly, intentionally and with vulnerability can not only streamline potential communication breakdowns, it can help you and your team or community feel a greater sense of connection to one another. Some of the greatest speeches have been made in times of crisis by a Commander who demonstrated both vulnerability and resilience, like Winston Churchill in his speech, Their Finest Hour.
  3. Create intentional time for development and connection. We think of this as cultivating culture, or as they say in the military, “morale building.” Even in the midst of the toughest battles, you’ll see old photos of troops playing games or having beers together. This intentional time for team development or connection helps to reconnect your team, family or community with their overall sense of purpose. If you’re looking for ideas on how to develop your team, consider connecting with the DOUNTO team on a Discovery Call!

Susannah Stokes is the President and CEO of DOUNTO, Inc., a leadership development organization that provides virtual #GoldenLeadership development programs, workshops & Anti-Discrimination Training. She is a former Marine Corps Captain, a graduate of the US Naval Academy and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. She is dedicated to helping leaders Be the Change they wish to see in the world, by living and leading by The Golden Rule.