BLUF

Resilient leaders are more important than ever in the COVID and post COVID world.

Summary

COVID-19 forced leaders to make difficult decisions sometimes without the benefit of 'lessons learned'. This article outlines the qualities possessed by resilient leaders as follows:

  • Are able to recover from setbacks.
  • Stay optimistic and mission-oriented
  • Respond, instead of simply reacting
  • Prepared to make decisions with imperfect or incomplete knowledge
  • Avoid taking the path of least resistance in decision making
  • Overcome the fear of failure 
  • Maintain consistent and clear communication.
  • Remain coachable, regardless of position.
  • Build positive and trusting relationships.
  • Are comfortable saying  I don't know—but make a point of finding out what they don't know.
  • Know when to take bold risks and are prepared to try something new. 
  • Invest in the development of others.
  • Embrace change.
  • Prioritise the mental health and well-being of their team.
  • Adapt their management style according to the current environment.

Consider which of the qualities listed are the most important when working in a military environment.

Learn more about becoming a resilient leader

References