Leadership in a BANI world

Kristine Schryvers

In today's BANI world—characterized by Brittleness, Anxiety, Nonlinearity, and Incomprehensibility—resilience has become a crucial trait for both individuals and organizations. The unpredictable and often chaotic nature of this environment demands that leaders foster resilience within their teams to navigate challenges effectively.

Resilience in this context means the ability to adapt, recover, and thrive despite adversity. Leaders can play a pivotal role in building this resilience by:

Encouraging a Growth Mindset: Promote the belief that challenges are opportunities for learning and growth. This mindset helps employees view setbacks as temporary and surmountable.

Providing Support and Resources: Ensure that employees have access to the tools, training, and support they need to manage stress and develop coping strategies.

Fostering a Collaborative Culture: Encourage teamwork and open communication. When employees feel supported by their peers, they are more likely to bounce back from difficulties.

Leading by Example: Demonstrate resilience in your own actions. Show how you handle stress and setbacks, and share your strategies for maintaining a positive outlook.

Recognizing and Celebrating Efforts: Acknowledge the hard work and perseverance of your team. Celebrating small victories can boost morale and reinforce resilient behaviours.

For practical tips on fostering resilience and eliminating workplace drama, I recommend reading Cy Wakeman's book, "No Ego". This book offers valuable insights into creating a drama-free workplace and empowering employees to take ownership of their actions and attitudes. Wakeman's approach emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and accountability, which are key components of resilience.

By integrating these strategies and insights, and using psychometrically strong assessments to enhance self-awareness, leaders can help their employees become more resilient, ultimately leading to a more adaptable and successful organization.