Bend but Don’t Break
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When I was designing The BRAVE Model™, my framework for inclusive leadership, one of the key things I wanted to address in my speaking, coaching and advisory work was the importance of Resilience, the R in the BRAVE Model.
Resilience is often seen as an individual trait, a badge of honour worn by those who can weather the storm and emerge unscathed. But the truth is, resilience is not just about the individual, it is a collective endeavour that can be nurtured within our teams, organisations, and communities. For me this is the essence of resilience. That bending under pressure but never breaking is a collective effort.
In today’s ever changing landscape, leaders at every level are often tasked with navigating choppy waters. Economic shifts, evolving workforce dynamics, political changes and societal challenges demand that we not only adapt but thrive under pressure. The question then becomes how do we, as leaders, cultivate resilience not just within ourselves but also within those we lead?
I believe the foundation lies in building a shared mindset.
Encouraging a culture of openness and growth is crucial. Resilience begins with fostering environments where people feel empowered to face challenges head-on. It is about instilling confidence in individuals and teams to take ownership of their responsibilities, to make courageous decisions, and embrace the inevitability of setbacks as opportunities for growth.
A resilient team is one that supports each other, recognises collective strength, and builds on mutual trust. Leaders can encourage this by modelling strong, positive mindsets themselves. It’s not about pretending everything is fine when it isn’t, but rather it’s about acknowledging the difficulties and demonstrating the determination to find solutions. When teams see their leaders confronting challenges with both courage and clarity, it creates a ripple effect.
However, let’s not get it twisted. Resilience is not just about positivity, it is also, dare I say mostly, about honesty. One of the most underappreciated aspects of resilience is the strength to have difficult conversations. Whether it’s addressing a looming challenge or delivering news that may be hard to hear, these conversations are essential. Avoidance only weakens the foundation of trust that resilience is built upon.
Leaders must be brave enough to tell their teams the truth while providing the support and vision needed to move forward. It’s about balancing compassion with candour, ensuring that even the toughest discussions are framed within a context of care and purpose. When teams see that their leaders are willing to tackle hard truths rather than shy away, it reinforces the collective resilience of the group. Not an easy job by any stretch of the imagination but an essential job none the less.
The final piece of the puzzle is creating a culture where resilience is not merely a reaction to tough times but a proactive strategy. Regularly investing in team development, fostering strong communication, and celebrating wins, no matter how small, all contribute to this. Resilience, when embedded into the cultural DNA of an organisation transforms how teams respond to adversity and prepares them to thrive in the face of uncertainty.
This idea of resilience being a team effort is at the heart of my keynote, “Bend But Don’t Break.” It is a message I am passionate about sharing with clients across industries. Resilience is not an individual sport; it is a team pursuit that requires intention, communication, and courage. Through this keynote, I empower and equip leaders and their teams with the mindset and tools needed to face challenges together, not just with strength but with unity.
In the coming months, I’ll be rolling out “Bend But Don’t Break” to organisations seeking to build resilient cultures. If this resonates with you or your team, I would love to explore how we can work together to ensure that no matter what pressures arise, you and your teams are ready to bend without breaking.
