Lead with Resilience
You don't need a title to be a leader. In fact, some of the most influential leaders are those who don't have a formal title at all. What they do have is resilience.
Alas! There's no formal study or blueprint for building resilience; it's something learned through experience. The good news is that - as an executive support professional, experience is what you have in spades!
In today's business world, executive and personal assistants are increasingly being asked to step up and take on more responsibility. They're asked to lead projects, lead teams and direct the business lives of executive decision-makers. With this increased responsibility comes greater pressure and, at times, stress. This can be daunting, but it can be made easier with the right mindset to help you develop resilience.
What is resilience?
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue moving forward despite adversity. It's about picking yourself up when things go wrong and learning from your mistakes.
Being afraid to make mistakes is one of the biggest obstacles to developing resilience. So too is failure to acknowledge when you do make one.
Resilience is a quality that all great leaders possess and one that you can develop - not through trying to be the perfect PA or EA, but by being the resilient one. How you respond to challenges will shape your leadership style.
Building resilience requires a willingness to take risks, experiment and learn from each possible outcome, especially when things go wrong. This process helps you develop a growth mindset where you see each challenge and setback as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Why is resilience important?
Executive support professionals who illustrate resilient leadership skills are better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks throughout their careers. They're also more likely to take the lead on an issue in times of transformation. They're relied upon by their leaders to be a leader assistant and represent the interests of the organisation.
When you lead with resilience, you develop greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. You learn to control your reactions, stay calm under pressure and manage your emotions. This allows you to be more effective in your role, be more grounded when a balanced view is needed, and be a better support to your executive.
The way of business and the future workplace is ever-changing and being a resilient executive support professional is more important than ever. Technologies, processes and workflows are becoming more complex, which means that executive support professionals need to be adaptable and have the ability to learn new things quickly.
How to develop resilience?
There are many ways you can build resilience. One way is to seek executive coaching or professional development opportunities focusing on self-management and interpersonal skills. The right support and guidance can help you identify the opportunities for growth and the path to developing a resilient leadership style.
Resilient executive support professionals can quickly adapt to change, overcome setbacks, and continue moving forward. They understand that there is no perfect way to do things and that flexibility is vital. Leading with resilience doesn't mean that you never feel down or discouraged. It means that when you do, you can apply the right strategies that allow for a positive outlook to motivate you through challenging situations.
Executive support professionals who demonstrate leadership through resilience are invaluable assets to their team. They help create a positive and productive work environment where everyone can thrive.
If you want to develop strong leadership skills, start by developing your resilience. Then, encourage and support your team members to do the same.
When you lead with resilience, you set the tone for a positive, productive, and thriving working environment. Do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments.