Resiliency – What to do When Too Many Things Go Wrong
Here is the quick answer. Develop a plan, break it into steps, consider each step a success, and move through the dark hole. If only it were that easy, right?
So before we go any further, let me clarify; you don’t need to come up with a solution straight away. However, you need to develop your own pause button that you can use repeatedly. A system designed by you and for you that allows you to get still, and in the quietness of your mind, consider options and make decisions. Leaders must have a proven game plan for facing tough times and helping others to do the same. This is developing resiliency.
Sail Away
I want to take you back to my sailing days to give you a bigger picture. You might have to bear with me, as, of course, this is my journey and how I can interpret the concept. But if you look for the concept, you will have no doubt, your own story to tell.
I grew up on the south coast of England, and I learned to sail at a young age. My ship was a dinghy called an Enterprise. It is a sturdy dinghy with its distinctive light blue sails. (stop chuckling, please!)
During the first week of sailing lessons, the instructor took us out in any weather condition. He wanted us to learn not only what the boat’s limitations and our limitations, but and even more importantly, to understand our world could change incredibly quickly. We would be barreling along with the wind pounding off the sail, and the boat heeling at a good angle. The wave created at the stern looked as though one could pull out your water skis and catch the wave!
What a ride, right? And then, caught up in the good times and feeling quite proud of yourself, you could be hit by a rogue wave, powerful wind burst, or sudden wind drop and find yourself immersed in the wave without your skis!
Not fun.
Pivot Forward To Resiliency
Our instructor taught us that by quickly turning the boat into the wind and stopping there, the boat quieted immediately.
On its own, it would level itself in the water. The sails would go slack since the wind was coming directly from the front. Therefore, the wind could not hit the sails and could not move us in a direction that we didn’t want to go.
Stop and pause with that. What a life lesson to be understood.
Center Yourself
Another crucial element was weight distribution. The boat crew had to center themselves for a central weight distribution and the tiller, main and jib sheets to be loose but not flapping around uncontrollably.
We practiced over and over again until staying centered was a habit. That central position empowered us to weather the storm. It was a system for responding.
Make a Plan
With the boat steady and our minds and bodies still and positioned properly, we could discuss our options and make a plan to get back to shore safely.
We learned that in every situation, there are a host of variables, and resiliency is our tool. We focused mostly on the crew’s state – their abilities and if they had any injuries, and what was possible with our boat. We took a few minutes to consider the different options (because we could), and based on clear heads we chose the path most likely to succeed. We could do that because of the steps we took.
We pivoted toward the storm and centered ourselves.
Team Thinking
Each team member gave their best case for success and was responsible for justifying their suggestion. Why would it work, and why was it the best option? Once the best decision was made, it was time to take action. Everyone knew what we were going to do and our projected endgame. We learned teamwork, personal growth and got ourselves out of a lot of cold water!
You’ve Got This
The Enterprise was a great dinghy for learning to sail. It was sturdy and steady on a good day. When things got tough, and we turned her into the rough water or strong winds, she gave even more, and we felt safe and secure.
If you face challenging times, don’t run, don’t hide, don’t panic. Pivot. Center. Think. Decide. Succeed.
You’ve got this!
