Resilience and Leadership Competence Lisa Margerum

Session Objectives Examine why this relationship is important for leaders in business Describe resilience 2-minute lit review Examine potential relationship between resilience and leadership competence within a business environment Questions??

Why? = Change Leadership by definition, is steeped in change The greater the change, the greater the effort to lead and assimilate the change Resilience helps the leader to better use her skills to implement change

So what is resilience? “Resilience… is merely the skill and the capacity to be robust under conditions of enormous stress and change.” – Diane Coutu “Strengths and resources that enable individuals and families to respond successfully to crises and persistent challenges and to recover and grow from the experiences.” -- Froma Walsh “Dynamic process encompassing positive adaptations within a context of significant adversity.” – Suniya Luthar From negative to zero Also known as hardiness or coping A process, not a trait

A brief historical review Werner study Longitudinal study of children-at-risk in Kauai Under what influences do some children “break out”? Protective factors Garmezy, Luthar and others followed Children Families Alcoholics School professionals Individuals Professionals

Reivitch and Shátte – 2002 “The Resilience Factor” Extension of resilience definition One cannot only ‘survive’ but thrive in life’s situations From zero to positive Recreate positives 7 factors of resilience

Factors of Resilience Impulse Control – not allowing desire to override reason Self-efficacy – belief that I am effective in this world Empathy – how well I read cues about others’ emotional and psychological states Emotional Regulation – ability to stay calm under pressure

Factors Reaching Out – knowing when to ask for help and guidance Optimism – Belief that things can change for the better and that I can control my situation Causal Analysis – Accurately identify the causes of my problems

Testing plan Test a sample of corporate leaders on both leadership competence and resilience factors Two reliable and valid tests Look at relationships between the values – is there a relationship between any of the variables To be or not to be, that is the question. How do I love thee, let me count the ways.

Leadership Competencies Spencer and Lominger** Makes things happen Anticipates challenges Sets goals Energizes others Fosters experimental climate Builds competitive advantage Makes crucial and timely decisions Uses resources in decision- making Leads strategic change Promotes innovation Analyzes complex situations Grasps problems quickly Applies Learned Concepts Takes long-term perspective Develops strategies Builds personal strengths Creates new concepts Anticipates risks Coordinates resources

Leadership Competencies Influences others Adapts to audience Plans impact Convinces others to buy-in Uses experts Networks to gain support Maintains good customer relations Understands customers’ needs Communicates clear vision Empowers others Develops employees Identifies talent Cultivates diversity Views others’ perspectives Fosters teamwork Empowers high performing teams

Possible ‘connections’