Heidi Dening is no stranger to adversity. From a debilitating illness in her youth to harrowing experiences like a gunpoint kidnapping and narrowly escaping a petrol bomb attack, she has faced challenges that would test the resilience of even the most seasoned leader. Yet, it is these very experiences that have shaped Heidi into the resilient and insightful leadership expert she is today.
Resilience, as Heidi defines it, is not about simply bouncing back, but about the ability to "bounce forward" - to extract valuable insights from challenges and apply them to become better prepared for the next obstacle. This forward-looking mindset is crucial in today's fast-paced, volatile business landscape, where leaders are constantly navigating change, uncertainty, and high-pressure situations.
Heidi emphasizes that true resilience is not about putting on a stoic facade, but rather, a delicate balance of authenticity, vulnerability, and strength. Leaders are increasingly expected to be vulnerable and authentic, sharing their struggles and emotions openly. Yet, this can sometimes be perceived as a lack of resilience.
The Resilience Triad: Authenticity, Vulnerability and Strength
Heidi's advice is to embrace all three elements of this "resilience triad":
Authenticity: Showing your true self, flaws and all, builds trust and connection with your team.
Vulnerability: Openly acknowledging challenges and mistakes demonstrates courage and humanizes the leader.
Strength: Demonstrating the ability to learn, adapt, and emerge stronger from adversity.
By embodying this holistic approach to resilience, leaders can navigate turbulent times with grace and inspire their teams to do the same.
Practical Strategies for Building Resilience
Heidi's personal experiences have informed a practical, science-backed approach to building resilience. She outlines five key principles:
Be Still: Carve out 10 minutes each day to simply pause and recharge, whether through meditation, mindfulness, or simply enjoying a quiet moment.
Find Joy: Intentionally schedule time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether it's a hobby, time with loved ones, or simply enjoying nature.
Chill Out: Designate a "chill day" once a month to truly disconnect and recharge, without the pressure of work or other obligations.
Take Breaks: Ensure you are taking regular holidays and time off, even if they are short "staycations" rather than grand getaways.
Connect: Nurture connections with people, activities, and causes that are meaningful to you, both within and outside of your professional life.
By incorporating these resilience-building practices into their routines, leaders can better manage the demands and stresses of their roles, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their teams.
Seeking Support: The Courage to Ask for Help
Heidi emphasizes that resilience is not a fixed trait, but rather a skill that requires ongoing cultivation and maintenance. When resilience levels dip, she encourages leaders to seek professional support, whether through an Employee Assistance Program or other mental health resources.
"People who seek help when they need it to me are the most courageous in our society," Heidi says. "It takes courage to put your hand up and say, 'I'm feeling pretty wobbly right now, and I need some professional help to help me through.'"
By normalizing the need for support and modeling vulnerability, leaders can foster a culture where resilience is nurtured and celebrated, rather than seen as a weakness.
In today's rapidly changing business environment, resilience is not just a desirable trait, but a critical competitive advantage. Leaders who can navigate adversity, learn from their experiences, and emerge stronger are better equipped to lead their organizations through turbulent times and position them for long-term success.
By embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and strength, and incorporating practical resilience-building strategies, leaders can cultivate the mindset and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world.