By Dianne Durante, Ed.S. and Kirsten Hagman, LMSW

In challenging times, good managers go back to basics. Those include respect, resiliency and results.

This is part two. Yesterday’s article discussed Respect. For part one see: (http://techjournalsouth.com/news/article.html?item_id=8588)

RESILIENCY

Look at an elastic band and then stretch it! After it stretches it looks like it returns to its natural shape.

However, the molecules in it have actually shifted and it is not exactly the same as it was before the stretch, it has been changed. This small symbol is a reminder of our ability to withstand the challenges and crisis in the workplace.

In fact, the Chinese character for crisis is actually made up of two characters, one is opportunity and one is growth. Resilient people are well aware that hard times are often an opportunity for growth.

Research supports the finding that resilient people share common traits. They all have a basic belief in their ability to set goals and to make change. Resilient people recognize their strengths and see themselves as strategists.

They perceive bad times as temporary and have faith in the future or in a higher power.

Resilient people do to not try to “go it alone”. Their most important characteristic is the ability to create and expand their circle of support. Resilient people do not look in the rear view mirror, they only look ahead.

This opportunity for growth can help managers and employees look at problems from different perspectives. Luckily, resiliency can be taught. Encourage brainstorming with your employees using insight, humor and creativity as cornerstones of the process. The elasticity of the elastic band reminds us to be flexible and that we can learn to bounce back from a trauma, especially if we remember to expand our circle of positive, supportive colleagues.

RESULTS

Make your business the respectful, resilient environment that will produce the third R- Results.

Thinking about these basic building blocks throughout your day will result in success and greater employee satisfaction.

Little things do make a difference in the end. Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success”. Here’s to your success!

Dianne Durante, Ed.S., is author of “Everyday Symbols for Joyful Living,” A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and business consultant, Dianne conducts motivational workshops nationwide with her daughter, Kirsten Hagman, LMSW. For more information visit DianneDurante.com.

Southeast Venture Conference, February 29 – March 1, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton in Tysons Corner, VA – Where Smart Money Meets Smart People.
www.seventure.org

© 2009, TechJournal South. All rights reserved.