To say that we are in challenging times right now may feel like an understatement. There are uncertainties. There has been a lot of change. Many are working remotely. Your kids may be your current co-workers. Your daily work focus has possibly shifted some. In the midst of so much change, you may find yourself feeling more than a little off-kilter. This is completely understandable. What can you do during these trying times? I’d like to recommend working on being resilient.
I've been sharing ideas with you from Pamela Meyer's book The Agility Shift over the last couple of months. We have looked at being reflective, responsive, and resourceful so far. The last trait from the book I wanted to cover is resilience. In the face of COVID-19, it seems like a pretty timely topic.
Meyer defines resilience as “the ability to regroup, reorganize, and renew in the midst of unpredictable and changing conditions and contexts.” It’s a mindset. It’s about being flexible. It’s deciding HOW you will respond to the world around you. If you don’t think of yourself as a naturally resilient person, there’s good news. Resiliency is something you can practice and develop. One way to start practicing resiliency is to assess the current situation. Be realistic. Admit the uncertainties and fears associated with the current reality - this is not the road you planned to be on. Next, look at what you can do in spite of the challenges and change. Refocus and redirect your purpose and move in that direction.
In her book, Meyer suggests the following skills and practices as you work on resiliency:
Skills/Practices
Continuous Learning
Cognitive Reappraisal
Rest and Renewal Practices
Performance Indicators
Effective decision making and action in alignment with team and organizational goals
Capacity to change course as new information/knowledge and conditions warrant
Sustained or renewed energy and engagement in current projects, initiatives, and creative explorations
Timeliness of recovery following a disruption
Dynamic engagement with purpose
Positive brand identity and association
As an agile organization, Interstates is focused on resiliency right now. We are looking at how to adapt from the unexpected, to keep going and bounce back strong. We know our “why.” Our mission, vision and values help guide our daily decisions as we press on.
We are listening to the concerns of our clients. We are looking for solutions to serve their changing needs both short-term and long-term. Our “Serving in the New Normal” focus is working quickly to identify and create opportunities coming directly out of the current challenges. We’ve played defense and are now regrouping to be forward-thinking to what our clients need right now.
Additional ways we are practicing resiliency include developing new processes on-site to increase safety and sanitation. New travel practices have been put into place to follow social distancing guidelines - ultimately keeping our people safer. Our team is continuing to find new ways to support our clients remotely. Lastly, our people are showing their resiliency as they work from home - finding places at home to work, balancing kids and spouses and supporting each other in heartfelt ways.
Despite current challenges and changes, we remain steadfast. While we never look for adversity, it has provided the opportunity to lean in and build additional resilience. I am proud of the resilience our teams are showing. Keep building that skill as we get through this challenge together. Keep leading the Interstates Way, with resilience!
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Doug Post, Interstates President
