How Leaders Thrive During Challenging Times and Situations

It seems to me that one of three scenarios play out in leaders’ lives when faced with challenges: 1) They abdicate their leadership role leaving actions to be guided by others, or 2) They find ways to persevere and survive the situation as best they can, or 3) They learn to thrive, regardless of the scenario which comes before them in their lives. The question is how do leaders achieve the third scenario, especially now when faced with the greatest challenges of their professional career?

The answer, I believe, comes down to focusing on a simple yet difficult to follow mental habit. It is a habit which takes practice and discipline, and like most major changes in our lives, is not easy to achieve. Although I have heard this habit referred to in different ways, for our purposes, let’s call it “Resilient Thinking”.

A quote I have used of late states “…life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it” (Charles Swindoll). Resilient thinkers, when faced with challenge have established the mental habit of consistently focusing their reaction, rather than allowing emotions to control their response. In the face of challenge/push back/attack Resilient Thinkers CHOOSE, in a split second, to focus the positive, the solution, the resolution. So, rather than giving up, giving in, or going negative, they make the instantaneous decision to focus on outcomes and next steps.

As stated earlier this is not easy… It is our natural tendency when faced with challenge to focus on blame, personalities, why this is happening…etc. If, as an alternative, we can train ourselves to become Resilient Thinkers I believe we will find that we are both happier and more effective in what we do.

I encourage you to ponder this mental shift and reflect upon how you currently operate mentally. Are you a Resilient Thinker, or one who wallows in blame, negativity and excuses? I think this is an important question to ask, especially right now as leaders are under such tremendous pressure on a daily basis.

In the comments section below please share with us any thoughts, ideas or methods you use to exhibit Resilient Thinking, or how you promote this mindset in others. As always, we all grow when we share our thoughts and ideas with others.