Well, maybe they don't -- but they do have one essential characteristic in common. Find out what it is, and how it can make you a remarkable manager (and a happier one, to boot!).
Try this: find a rubber ball, an egg, and a small child. Take the child outside and ask him or her to drop both the ball and the egg on the sidewalk. Which one makes the child happier -- and keeps him or her busy for longer?
You already know the answer: it's the ball. The egg cracks in the first round; the ball keeps bouncing back. Like rubber balls, the best leaders are the ones who "bounce back" no matter what surface they're "dropped" on. This quality is called resilience, and it's essential both to good leadership and to lifetime happiness.
Why Resilience Matters in Leadership
What is resilience? The American Psychological Association defines resilience as "the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress" -- including stress in the workplace.
That's not to say that resilient people don't experience distress, fear, or anger. They do. What makes a leader resilient is not which emotions they experience, but how they choose to address those emotions and respond to the situation that gives rise to them.
"Resilience" is the ability to respond effectively to a disruption or conflict. Leaders who cultivate resilience find it easier to maintain perspective in a crunch. They can act effectively because they are not reacting; they're taking the moment as it comes, rather than responding from anger or fear. From settling a conflict between staff members to managing a major business crisis, resilient leaders have an advantage because they're focused on what is, not what should be.
Resilient leaders are:
What's more, studies show that resilience doesn't just make people better leaders in the workplace: it also makes them happier. Resilience leads to better abilities to make healthy choices, stay connected with supportive loved ones, pursue their most passionate life goals, avoid repeated mistakes, and maintain perspective in the face of adversity. Who doesn't want that?
Building Resilience: Getting Your "Bounce" Back
How can business leaders build resilience? Try employing these three tips:
When disruption occurs, focus on being mentally as well as physically present. Take a few deep breaths and listen carefully to those involved in the conflict -- even when listening is tough, or it feels like an attack. Staying present helps you lead by example and maintain the resiliency needed to spot the best opportunity to resolve the crisis.Rubber Balls Make Great Leaders