In the last four years, resilience has proven to be an anchor in navigating the tumultuous waters of a pandemic, shifting social justice landscapes, and various national and international conflicts. Echoing the sentiments of one of my favorite songs, “I’m Still Here,”—together, we continue to stand strong despite ongoing dynamics. This enduring resilience brings us to an essential question: What comes next?
During a recent client engagement, I observed a compelling mix of dedication and fatigue among teams committed to DEI work. This scenario serves as a stark reminder that DEI is not a journey to be undertaken alone. The inevitable burnout that accompanies isolated efforts highlights the critical need for supportive teamwork and robust resilience practices. These are not just strategies for enduring but for thriving—transforming our approach to both personal challenges and professional engagements.
Embracing Setbacks as Catalysts for Growth
The power of resilience is particularly evident when facing personal setbacks. My own journey has taught me that adversity can profoundly change us—for better or for worse. Initially guarding my heart and mind against challenges, I eventually learned that genuine support, care, and community are only revealed when we open up and share our struggles with others.
Through engaging in deep, sometimes difficult conversations, I discovered new paths forward, turning potential isolation into opportunities for connection and growth. These experiences highlight how resilience goes beyond simply shielding us from adversity; it acts as a transformative force, enabling us to convert challenges into valuable lessons of character building and personal development.
Reflective Practices for Personal Growth
Integrating resilience into my own development has required more than just the adoption of new practices; it has necessitated a profound embrace of humility. Mindfulness and self-reflection, key components of my developmental toolkit, have required a humble approach to both learning and implementation. Initially, I have to admit embracing these practices was challenging. When I was first introduced to somatic body practices, my reaction was anything but enthusiastic. Caught in group activities, I found myself thinking, “I don’t have time to breathe; I’m too busy trying to catch my breath!” My skepticism was palpable, and my eyes probably glazed over at the thought of yet another ‘feel the room’ exercise.
However, embracing humility taught me to acknowledge the limits of my current understanding and to remain open to new experiences. This shift in attitude gradually allowed these practices to resonate with me, offering fresh perspectives on managing stress and conflict. By confronting my initial resistance and embracing the learning process, each challenging encounter transformed into a valuable opportunity for introspection and growth. This ongoing journey of self-reflection and humility has not only been transformative for me but has also enhanced my ability to support others in their efforts to build resilient and reflective practices.
Building Community Resilience
The insights gained from personal reflective practices have also impacted my ability to foster community resilience. Early in my DEI journey, a colleague emphasized that this work should not be done in isolation—a principle I have vigorously championed ever since. Teams and communities provide essential spaces for individuals to step up and step back as needed, which not only ensures the work continues but also enhances the resilience of both the team and the broader effort.
Contrary to the notion that we navigate the world alone, my experience has shown that success is rarely achieved in isolation. Facilitating open discussions has become a key part of my approach, creating environments where individuals and groups can share their challenges and strategies for overcoming them. These interactions reinforce the vital truth that we are all in this together, highlighting the importance of support networks in both personal and professional realms. This collaborative approach not only spreads the burden but also significantly multiplies the impact of our resilience-building efforts, transforming individual endeavors into a powerful collective movement.
Leading with Adaptability and Inclusion
The collective strength we build through community resilience has the potential to inform how we lead with adaptability and inclusion within organizations. As an executive coach, I’ve witnessed firsthand how practicing resilience can aid organizations in navigating through crises and prepare them for long-term challenges. As an example, enhancing cultural competencies within teams is essential for resilience, as it equips members with the adaptability, collaborative spirit, and innovative problem-solving skills necessary to thrive in diverse and challenging environments. This involves deepening team members’ understanding of various norms, values, and practices crucial for adapting across differences and achieving organizational goals.
In another example, this approach was particularly effective with a national nonprofit grappling with rapid expansion and the task of building an inclusive culture among both existing employees and new hires from diverse backgrounds. Through facilitated sessions aimed at fostering cultural competence, we initiated conversations that bridged gaps in understanding and appreciation among team members. Initially hesitant, the leadership team soon saw how these discussions led to a more agile and responsive team dynamic. Team members began to view diversity as a vital asset, sparking creativity and enhancing their ability to anticipate and solve emerging problems.
As we continue to navigate these complex times, these lessons in resilience are not just theoretical—they are practical strategies that have shaped my life and work. I invite you to reflect on how resilience can similarly transform your own challenges into opportunities for growth. How have moments of challenge shaped your understanding of resilience? I look forward to hearing your stories and learning together as we build a more resilient world.