Summary:

Adapting to change and embracing it as a useful skill in the resilience toolkit is now more important than ever. As look back on the year that has passed, it is common to hear those around you commenting on how much has changed since covid-19 came strongly into our awareness in March last year. It is certainly true that we have all faced significant change in key areas relating to job security, professional development, promotion opportunities, employee benefits and company growth.

At an individual level, when we remain open to experiencing change we build our level of flexibility and end up responding better to new people, places and circumstances. What we end up with is a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, reevaluate and redefine the most important elements of our lives.

At an organisational level, there is so much that leaders can be doing to facilitate change in the current climate. It is important for leaders to demonstrate that they understand the concerns people may have about any change that is likely to happen. Staff should have a clear way of sharing their views and concerns as well as hearing about any progress or updates that effect them. Leaders should also emphasise the fact that they are open to any level of conversation – no matter how difficult or awkward. As a general rule, the more certainty and control people have the more tolerant they will be to change with lower levels of fear, stress and anxiety.

In this episode of the resilience real-time podcast, Peta Sigley discusses the great benefits of change and how positive adaptation directly impacts our resilience. She encourages people and organisations to see change not just as a challenge but also as an opportunity to learn and grow.