Are you building your resilience muscle?

Continuing our enlightening series on the characteristics of successful women leaders, with insights from Jeff Klawsky, PhD, a seasoned Business Psychologist, this week we delve into a pivotal trait: Resilience. Dr. Klawsky has observed that the most effective women leaders excel not only because of their skill and intelligence but also due to their remarkable resilience and perseverance through challenges.

Resilience in leadership manifests in several key behaviors:

1. Pragmatism in Goal Achievement: Successful women leaders operate with a mindset focused on getting things done effectively rather than perfectly. Understanding that perfection is often an unattainable standard, they aim for “very good,” which allows them to implement projects efficiently and move on to the next challenge. This approach builds their reputation as reliable and effective leaders who deliver results consistently.

2. Navigating Gender Bias: Another significant aspect of their resilience is how they handle gender bias. Instead of getting bogged down by unfair treatment or prejudice, these leaders keep moving forward. They ‘double down’ on their innate leadership strengths, demonstrating their indispensable value to their organizations. This not only helps them circumvent biases but alsohighlights the flaws and inaccuracies of such prejudices.

Dr. Klawsky prompts us to reflect on our own resilience with these questions:
– How can you improve at persevering in the face of difficult challenges?
– Are there areas where you can shift your aim from “perfect” to “very good” to enhance efficiency and effectiveness?
– How can you leverage your unique leadership strengths to overcome any gender bias you encounter?

By fostering resilience, pragmatism, and strategic navigation of workplace challenges, women leaders not only advance their careers but also pave the way for more equitable professional environments. As we explore these qualities, consider how you can apply these strategies to your own leadership approach, ensuring that you not only succeed but also inspire and pave the way for others in your field.

Do you need some support to reach your goals this year?