Building resilience in chaotic times

Resilience is critical for navigating chaotic times. Whether dealing with rapid industry changes, economic uncertainty or internal disruptions, every layer of the organization must adapt and strengthen their ability to endure and grow through challenges.

But resilience isn't just about individuals bouncing back. Resilience at work also requires a culture where teams feel supported, empowered and aligned with a shared purpose.

Here’s how to build resilience across your business:

Building resilience among individual contributors

For individual contributors (ICs), resilience starts with clarity and communication. In uncertain times, the day-to-day work of ICs can feel overwhelming if they don’t understand how their tasks fit into the bigger picture.

To help ICs be resilient, managers should:

• Provide clear direction: Ensure ICs understand the reasons behind shifting priorities and have clarity in how their work contributes to overall goals.
• Encourage autonomy: Give ICs the freedom to solve problems creatively. A sense of ownership and accountability builds confidence.
• Focus on wellbeing: Stress and burnout are heightened during chaotic periods. Offer resources for mental health, encourage time off and promote work/life balance.

Building resilience among managers

Managers are the bridge between leadership and ICs, and their resilience is tested as they juggle priorities from both sides.

To build resilient managers, companies should:

• Train for agility: Equip managers with skills to adapt quickly. This includes decision-making under pressure, managing remote or hybrid teams, and shifting resources as priorities evolve.
• Empower with tools: Provide technology, processes and clear communication channels that help managers streamline their work and support their teams effectively.
• Foster peer support: Managers need their own network. Encourage them to collaborate, share insights and lean on each other for support during challenging times.

Building resilience among executives

Executives set the tone for the organization. In times of chaos, their leadership is critical in maintaining trust and a sense of direction.

To build resilience at the executive level, focus on:

• Strategic clarity: In turbulent times, employees look to leadership for guidance. Executives need to communicate a clear, forward-thinking strategy that provides a sense of stability and purpose.
• Model adaptability: Executives must show they can pivot when necessary, demonstrating that flexibility is a strength, not a sign of weakness.
• Support a resilient culture: Prioritize building a culture where adaptability, collaboration and psychological safety are valued. This includes being transparent with employees about challenges and solutions.

Creating a resilient culture

While individuals can build resilience, true organizational resilience comes from a holistic cultural approach.

Here are some characteristics of a resilient culture:

• Change is embraced: Rather than resisting change, a resilient culture sees change as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
• Psychological safety is prioritized: Employees should feel safe to voice concerns, share ideas and ask questions without fear of judgment. Openness helps teams navigate challenges collaboratively.
• Transparency is valued: Regular, honest communication from leadership to all levels of the organization fosters trust and ensures everyone is aligned — even when the path ahead is unclear.

Resilience is everyone’s job

Resilience must be a collective effort in times of chaos. 

• ICs need clarity and support.
• Managers need tools and agility.
• Executives need to lead with transparency and a clearly articulated vision.

Together, these efforts create a culture where resilience is a shared value that carries the business through any storm.

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