Resilience in leadership is not just a buzzword; it’s an essential skill that empowers leaders and organizations to succeed in times of change and uncertainty.
Resilience is often confused with endurance—pushing through at all costs. This misunderstanding can ultimately result in burnout, as relying solely on endurance is not a sustainable strategy for leaders or their organizations.
In 2025, the DDI’s Global Leadership Forecast report revealed that, a staggering 70% of CEOs are facing chronic stress, with 40% contemplating leaving their positions for personal well-being, highlighting the urgent need to support leaders in building resilience.
By supporting leaders in developing their resilience, we can help them navigate these turbulent times and create healthier pathways forward for themselves and their teams.
According to a column in the MIT management review, “Endurance is about surviving pressure. Resilience is about designing systems so that people do not break under it. Many organizations do not build resilience; they simply expect employees to endure more.
Genuine resilience at a leadership level is both individual and organizational.
At the individual level, self-compassion is a demand. Executives tend to be their own harshest critics, expecting unwavering strength and impeccable performance from themselves. However, resilience is nurtured through our humanity, not through perfection. By allowing yourself to rest, recalibrate, and seek support, you enhance your capacity to lead in a sustainable manner.
And at an organisational level, it then becomes not just about recovering from difficult periods; it also means acknowledging the current changes and disruptions as opportunities for development. Incorporating this perspective into your long-term strategic planning is crucial; it should not be treated as an isolated matter but as an integral part of your overall strategy. By embracing these opportunities, you can achieve enduring success in a constantly changing environment.
McKinsey, in conjunction with the World Economic Forum, published a report “Resilience pulse check: Harnessing collaboration to navigate a volatile world. The report showed that an astonishing 84% of leaders admitted to feeling ill-equipped for upcoming disruptions, prioritizing immediate solutions over crucial long-term capabilities, such as foresight and proactive risk management, which are frequently overlooked. This neglect renders organizations susceptible during prolonged periods of uncertainty.
For companies, making resilience a core strategic priority is essential for effectively addressing future challenges, rather than just responding to them reactively.
Ultimately, resilience is not merely about surviving in leadership; it is about leading in a manner that enables you to thrive.
What resilience tools are you considering as a leader in your organisation?
Have you given this a thought?
You can comment below or you –contact me- if you would want to further talk about this.