RESILIENCE – “Increase the Curve” to a New Beginning

I’m sure we have all heard phrases such as “It’s easy to lead and navigate through life when things are going well.”   For most of us, it was business as usual up until a couple of weeks ago.  Coronavirus has obviously been a wake-up call with its disastrous impact, both physically and mentally.  For the vast majority of us, our lives have been turned upside down personally and professionally and there are still more questions than answers, which introduces an extra layer of complexity.  As I sit at home reflecting on where I’m at and what I have experienced thus far in thoughts, feelings and actions, one important word comes to mind and it resonates more than ever to get through this – RESILIENCE!!

As we are well aware, no one is immune from significant change such as what we are dealing with now and the challenges that it can present.  Although the level of severity and impact varies for each of us, there are an array of emotions and feelings that are in play for us to experience. The point is that we all handle change at a different pace and the potential representation of transition is most clearly demonstrated through the William Bridges Model.  Overall, the model represents the journey that one typically experiences from the time a change is introduced.  Unlike the current situation with the number of Coronavirus cases where the goal is to “flatten the curve”, the goal with managing change is to “increase the curve” and transition through the cycle.  Resilience gives people the strength to attack the change(s) head-on, overcome adversity, and move on with their lives.

So What’s with the Curve?

• The First Phase “Endings” represents letting go from the current state of affairs/status quo. It’s evident that something has changed and there is a natural drop in productivity as we try to get our head around it.
• The Second Phase “Neutral Zone” represents being trapped in trying to figure out where to go next. This is where we get caught up and overwhelmed with what to do.  This can drastically affect our ability to be productive with managing through.
• The Third Phase “New Beginnings” represents acceptance and transition to embracing the change and moving in a positive direction thus “Increasing the Curve.”

Tips to demonstrate Resilience through Change and “Increase” the Curve

• Avoid the “Victim Mentality”, don’t dwell on the past or play the blame game. This will only bring you down, draining you of precious energy, and accomplish nothing.
• Inform and Educate yourself on the given situation – Fact Based vs. Emotion.
• Remain hopeful and discern what’s in your control and outside of our control. Don’t become overwhelmed with things you can’t do anything about.  Focus on what you can control, regardless how small you think it is. 
• Be Proactive – don’t avoid your problems or wait to be told what to do. Figure out what needs to be done and attack it. 
• Document your goals/plans/actions and keep track of progress.
• Communicate – talk about your experience with others. Find out how other people are feeling and let them know how you are feeling.
• Reach out to other for support (family, colleagues, connections/network). This could be just to listen, bounce ideas off of, or seek advice to increase confidence.
• Stay positive, remain hopeful and optimistic – reflect on all that you do have and are grateful for in order to avoid a negative mindset.
• Take time out for yourself and enjoy what you love to do (hobbies, interests). You need to take mental brakes and connect with what energizes you and reduces stress.
• Be Creative – think about how you can do things differently and what new opportunities exist or what new doors could this open up.
• Weigh out and document pro’s and con’s as well as Stop/Start/Continue
• Role model the right behaviors and set the example – remember, others may be looking up to you to see how you respond.

During this difficult time that we are all experiencing, I wish you the best of luck in navigating through the change(s) and most importantly doing what’s best for you and your family.  I think above all, the most important thing we can do is to communicate and be transparent with what’s on our mind, being willing to share and open to learn.  I appreciate the opportunity to reach out as part of the process for what I feel I need to do.  Together, we will get through this!

Stay Safe and Healthy and most of all – Be RESILIENT!!

Scott Favreau, Sr. Business Process Consultant, Competitive Solutions, Inc.