Developing a Resilient Team While Taking Care of your Mental Health
Being a general manager is like being on a ship in the middle of a stormy ocean - you can’t avoid the storm, so you have to learn to sail in it. So, how do you inspire resilience in your team in this frantic sea without losing your own sanity? (Please note, a parrot on your shoulder and an old sea shanty are only optional aids).
The Importance of Resilience for a General Manager
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and unforeseen challenges. As a general manager, your team's resilience is your safety net. When the going gets tough, a resilient team keeps going - no mutiny expected!
7 Surprising Insights for Building a Resilient Team
Choose the right First Mate and Crew
Choose team members who display adaptability and a positive attitude. And remember choosing your first mate (second-in-command) is as important as choosing a shipmate when you're stranded on a deserted island. Choose wisely!
Clear Navigation
Ensure everyone knows their role, responsibilities, and the goals of the company. A ship where everyone knows their duties sails smoother than Donald Trump's hairdo on a windy day.
Create a Safe Harbor
Create a culture where failure is seen as a stepping stone to success. As Thomas Edison once said - 'I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.'
Train for Rough Seas
Equip your team with tools and strategies to handle pressure and stress. You wouldn't send a sailor to sea without learning to tie knots, would you?
Support in Storms
Provide support during tough times. Reaching out and showing empathy can help increase resilience. Remember, a good captain goes down =with his ship!
Celebrate Safe Harbor
Celebrate team achievements and successes, however small they may seem. Even the smallest victory party can raise the crew’s spirits - just don't break out the rum too often!
Regular Ship Maintenance
Invest in team development, coaching, and mental health resources. Teams, like ships, need regular upkeep to stay at their best. And remember, a scraped hull (or a stressed manager) sinks ships!
Protecting your Mental Health as a General Manager
While building a resilient team, don’t forget to guard your own sanity! Develop your coping strategies, celebrate your achievements, and remember it's okay to ask for help! After all, even Superman had his quiet moments, and the last time we checked, even he couldn’t manage a corporate budget.
References
[1] Edison, Thomas. (n.d.). Persistence Quotes. Brainy Quote. Retrieved from www.brainyquote.com. [2] Thiederman, S. (2001). Making Diversity Work: 7 Steps for Defeating Bias in the Workplace. Kaplan Publishing. [3] American Psychological Association. (2012). Building your Resilience. Retrieved from www.apa.org.
