In uncertain times like these, navigating a complicated environment at work and at home is not an easy task.

The year 2020 surprised all of us as the last few months were charged with fear and uncertainty. Many people around the world continue to struggle with COVID-19 and with the results of an extended lockdown. In addition, there is continued civil unrest in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd and by the use of deadly force on people of color by some law enforcement agents, along with unrest in the wake of the presidential election. Unquestionably, these times are testing many of us and are pushing us out of our comfort zones.

Feeling Overwhelmed

If you are feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed, you are not alone. However, resilience is becoming an important leadership skill as managers need to adapt to new and unfamiliar circumstances. Still, the role of the manager doesn’t end with managing the daily operations of the organizations they serve. It may also include being the source of comfort and courage for weary employees.

Psychologists and social researchers claim that resilience is not a personality trait and that building resilience takes time and deliberate practice. To me, resilience is how well a person bounces back and recovers after suffering a loss and how a person deals with adverse circumstances.

Now more than ever, organizations around the world need resilient leaders. I personally learned more about resilience after suffering the loss of my parents, first my mom to diabetes and later my dad to cancer. No child is ever prepared to handle such a loss. During those times, I experienced the betrayal of a loved one. I also had a professional opportunity presented to me, and based on a decision made higher up in the organization, I wasn’t allowed to take advantage of the opportunity. (My understanding was that such opportunities are reserved for senior managers only.)

The difficulties I faced remind me of a metaphor that my good friend and mentor once told me: we all need to be like a palm tree, which bends during the storm but does not break. It’s strong, yet flexible. These remarkable trees have roots that spread across the upper levels of soil to serve as an anchor during inclement weather. The leaves of the palm tree resemble feathers that during good weather make a fine canopy, but in stormy weather they fold up and withstand intense and sometimes furious conditions.

As I recall, it was not easy to navigate through such difficult circumstances. Sometimes, I wanted to throw in the towel as those situations seemed to be unbearable. I could have dwelled on those dark times and felt sorry for myself. However, I took the time to grieve, time to forgive, and time to evaluate my career aspirations, and I can say now that these circumstances helped me to change the way I see the world and also helped me to value and understand what is important in my life.

As a local government professional that cares about the well-being of my staff, my community members, and my family, I will say that it’s crucial to take time to refocus and work on what you need as an individual.

The recipe for staying strong and resilient when we are going through difficult stages of life will be different for everyone. In trying times, I have taken the following steps to flex my resiliency muscle.

Focus on Gratitude

Being grateful is a skill that when practiced gives you happiness and joy. Some people may tell you to be thankful and that good will come out of all of these chaotic circumstances. Others may say, how can I be grateful if I have no steady source of income due to COVID-19, or if I have been stuck at home for so long? Well, the answer is to look around you and reflect on what you have. You and your family are still healthy, you can still enjoy small things like playing with your children or your pets. Meditate on what is positive and good, read motivational books, seek out encouraging quotes. Likewise, a good technique to focus on being grateful could be journaling and writing every day about one positive thing that has happened to you or listing three things that you are grateful for.

Stay Healthy

Make time to exercise and eat healthy. You don’t need a rigorous exercise plan; a 10- or 15-minute walk could help set your mind in a positive state and you may also relieve some stress. Your overall well-being is important; nurture your body, your mind, and your spirit. As you grow stronger and healthier, you will also have developed a healthy habit.

Lean on Your Support Group

Remember to rely on your family, friends, and trusted colleagues as they are your support group. They will be by your side and encourage you as you move forward with your life. Stay in touch with them as much as possible and also reciprocate if at some point in time a member of your support group needs encouragement and a helping hand. Life is a journey and what you freely give you will also receive.

Work on Your Skills

If you are fortunate enough to have a job, try taking on something additional, such as volunteering for a task force. If you are in a transition period and looking for a job, don’t fall into despair. Work on the skills you need for the job you want—or extra skills that could set you apart from other job applicants. Also, take time to reconnect with colleagues from past jobs and with college friends, as they may point you in the direction of your new opportunity.

Look at a Setback as a Set Up

Change your perspective. A setback could become an opportunity to demonstrate the kind of professional and the kind of person you are. If you are in the middle of turmoil, don’t give up, things will change, and these tough times could serve as a stepping stone for something better.

However, if you still need help, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. A coach, mentor, or counselor could guide you and help you steer clear of challenging situations. Take heart, better times are ahead. And remember, this too shall pass.

ADRIANA TRUJILLO-VILLA, AICP, CPM, is operations manager, Haines City, Florida. In 2008, she received ICMA’s Workplace Diversity Professional Development Award. (atrujillo@hainescity.com)

 

This article was previously published by ELGL.