Understanding resilient leadership
“Resilient leadership goes beyond steering organizations through challenges: it is a personal journey of growth and adaptability,” shares Annette Ware, dean of Senior College at Abbotsleigh, one of the finest K-12 schools in Australia. Her insight into challenges requiring collaboration highlights the interpersonal aspect of resilience. As leaders forge ahead, it becomes imperative to understand that resilience is not just a professional attribute but a personal one, shaping one's character and fortitude.
Defining resilient leadership involves recognizing the need for personal resilience. Clint Thurgood, director of Behavioral Health Crisis Services at Intermountain Healthcare emphasizes that “adaptability aligns with the idea that being resilient is about proactively embracing change, both in the professional and personal spheres.” To lead effectively through change, leaders must first cultivate resilience within themselves.
Strategies for building personal and organizational resilience
The foundation of resilient leadership starts with a coachable mindset. Larry Winget's book, You’re Broke Because You Want to Be offers insights and wisdom about breaking free of limiting mindsets, and how being open to change is not only required for financial success but is a key principle for personal development.
Leaders, as much as their organizations, should embrace a culture of continuous learning and be receptive to feedback. A coachable leader, after all, is better equipped to guide a resilient organization.
Arrogance and apathy are identified as major obstacles to growth by Bill Whittle, co-author of the book Goals Demand Change; he emphasizes the need to be coachable and to embrace making personal changes. Leadership, therefore, should not only encourage coaching within the team but also foster a culture of self-reflection and openness to personal development.
Steadfast leadership in turbulent times
In the competitive landscape of Canadian high-net-worth executives, Linda Hasenfratz, the CEO of Linamar Corporation, stands out as an exemplary leader who has successfully steered her organization through challenging times, showcasing the essence of resilient leadership. Facing the global economic downturn and disruptions in the automotive industry, Hasenfratz embraced resilience as a core leadership principle.
She recognized that personal resilience was fundamental to guiding Linamar through turbulent waters. By cultivating a mindset of adaptability and continuous learning, Hasenfratz fortified herself for the challenges ahead. Linamar, a leading manufacturing company, was not immune to the impacts of economic uncertainty.
Hasenfratz's first strategic move was to instill a culture of innovation within the organization. Recognizing that resilience and innovation go hand in hand, she encouraged a collaborative environment where employees felt empowered to contribute ideas. This commitment to innovation positioned Linamar as a nimble player in the industry.
Communication played a pivotal role in Hasenfratz’s resilient leadership. She maintained transparency with employees, clients and stakeholders, providing regular updates on the company’s strategies and challenges. This open communication fostered a sense of trust and unity within the organization, crucial for weathering uncertainties together.
Furthermore, Hasenfratz prioritized talent development as a cornerstone of organizational resilience. Investing in employee training and professional growth not only ensured a skilled workforce but also created a sense of loyalty and commitment. This approach proved invaluable as Linamar navigated workforce challenges and market fluctuations.
Linda Hasenfratz’s leadership at Linamar Corporation serves as a real-life testament to the principles of resilient leadership. By focusing on personal resilience, fostering an innovative culture, maintaining transparent communication, and prioritizing talent development, Hasenfratz not only led Linamar through challenging times but positioned the company for sustained success in the dynamic Canadian business landscape.
This case study offers valuable insights for high-net-worth individuals seeking to fortify their leadership skills to set them up for personal and organizational triumphs.
Embrace change personally and professionally
The journey of resilient leadership is both professional and personal. As leaders encourage a culture of continuous learning, openness to change and adaptability within their teams, they must also apply these principles to their own self-development.
The key to enduring success lies in recognizing that personal resilience is the bedrock upon which resilient leadership — and consequently resilient organizations — are built. By embracing change personally, leaders not only fortify themselves but also inspire a culture of resilience that permeates through every layer of their organizations.
This article was written by Dr. Denis Cauvier. Please direct all questions to denis@deniscauvier.com. Opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of IG Wealth Management.
