You don’t have to do everything on your own

One powerful yet often overlooked tool for increasing resilience is reaching out to one’s network and asking for support. In this blog article, we will explore why connecting with one’s network is crucial for building resilience, especially for leaders. By leveraging the support and resources available within their network, they can enhance their ability to overcome obstacles, thrive amidst adversity, and lead their teams with strength and confidence. The focus here is on one’s professional network, although it may be beneficial to take other sources into consideration as well. If taking care of children or elders, family duties, and household chores are part of the equation as well, it becomes even more important to accept support when needed.

The Power of Connection in Times of Adversity

Adversity is an inevitable part of any managerial role. Whether it’s navigating a crisis, handling conflicts, or managing overwhelming workloads, decision makers face numerous challenges that can take a toll on their well-being and effectiveness. During such times, reaching out to one’s network becomes an invaluable source of support.

The act of connecting with others and sharing experiences allows managers to gain new perspectives, insights, and coping strategies. As they hear stories of resilience and triumph over adversity from their network, leaders are reminded that they are not alone in their struggles, providing comfort and reassurance.

Strengthening Emotional Resilience through Social Support:

Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt to stress and adversity while maintaining mental well-being. It’s an essential trait for decision makers who need to lead with clarity and composure, even in challenging situations. Social support from one’s network plays a pivotal role in strengthening emotional resilience.

By confiding in trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors, leaders can express their feelings and emotions openly, alleviating the burden they may carry alone. Supportive conversations can provide validation, empathy, and understanding, fostering emotional stability and enabling them to face difficulties with renewed vigor.

Tapping into Diverse Perspectives for Problem-Solving:

Decision makers often encounter complex problems that require creative solutions. By leveraging their network, leaders can access a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. Colleagues, industry peers, and mentors offer a wealth of knowledge and experiences that can be invaluable when navigating uncharted territories.

Engaging in discussions with their network allows leaders to gain insights they might not have considered otherwise. This multi-dimensional problem-solving approach can lead to more innovative solutions and a deeper sense of empowerment.

Empowering Growth through Feedback and Advice:

As leaders, managers are continually striving to improve and grow. Seeking feedback and advice from their network is a crucial step in this personal development journey. Constructive feedback from colleagues or mentors can shed light on blind spots and areas for improvement, propelling them toward growth and self-awareness.

Additionally, receiving validation for their achievements and efforts may be a welcome boost of confidence. This positive reinforcement empowers leaders to face challenges with a sense of determination and self-belief.

Nurturing a Supportive Organizational Culture:

When we openly reach out to our network for support, we lead by example, fostering a culture of openness, trust, and mutual assistance within the organization. As leaders demonstrate vulnerability and the importance of seeking help, they encourage their team members to do the same, creating a support system that benefits the entire organization.

By nurturing a culture where seeking support is seen as a strength rather than a weakness, decision makers can cultivate a work environment that is resilient, collaborative, and united in overcoming challenges.

Ways to cultivate a Supportive Network:

Connect with Colleagues: Foster relationships with fellow managers or colleagues within the organization. They understand the challenges of the role and can provide insights and support from a relatable perspective.

Seek Guidance from Mentors: Reach out to experienced mentors or senior leaders who can offer valuable advice and share their own experiences of overcoming obstacles in their careers.

Engage in Industry Networks: Participate in industry-specific groups, conferences, or online forums to connect with peers from other organizations. These networks offer diverse perspectives and a broader range of insights.

Leverage Human Resources and Employee Assistance Programs:

Managers can seek guidance from HR departments for conflict resolution, stress management resources, and professional development opportunities.

Employee Assistance Programs: Many organizations provide EAPs that offer confidential counseling and support for employees and managers facing personal or work-related challenges.

Participate in Leadership Development Programs:

Enroll in Leadership Courses: Join leadership development programs or workshops that focus on building resilience, emotional intelligence, and effective communication skills.

Executive Coaching: Consider engaging in executive coaching to receive personalized support in tackling specific challenges and enhancing leadership capabilities.

Create or Join Peer Support Groups: Managers can form or join support groups with other leaders to discuss common challenges, share strategies, and provide encouragement.

Rotate Accountability Partners: Partner with a trusted colleague as an accountability partner to support each other’s personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of management, resilience is a cornerstone of effective leadership. As managers strive to lead with strength and determination, tapping into the power of connection through their network becomes a transformative tool for building resilience.

By reaching out to their network for support, managers gain fresh perspectives, emotional strength, and diverse insights for problem-solving. The act of seeking feedback and advice empowers them to grow and improve, fostering a culture of openness and support within their organization.

In times of adversity, a manager’s network becomes a source of comfort, validation, and understanding, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey. By embracing the power of connection, managers can enhance their ability to overcome challenges, lead with grace under pressure, and inspire their teams to thrive amidst change. Ultimately, leveraging one’s network for support is a powerful and essential step toward becoming a resilient and impactful leader.

Related Studies

Social Support and Resilience:

Studies have shown that social support plays a crucial role in promoting resilience and well-being. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2007 examined the relationship between social support and resilience across various populations. The researchers found that individuals with higher levels of social support demonstrated greater resilience in the face of stress and adversity. (Source: Ozbay, F., Johnson, D. C., Dimoulas, E., Morgan III, C. A., Charney, D., & Southwick, S., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 88(5), 827-843. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.88.5.827)

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):

Studies have evaluated the benefits of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in supporting employees’ mental health and well-being. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology in 2015 reviewed the effectiveness of EAPs in reducing stress and improving employee productivity. The analysis concluded that EAPs were effective in reducing stress and enhancing employee functioning, leading to improved work-related outcomes. (Source: McPherson, T. L., Manchester, K. J., & Nunes, A. P., Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 20(3), 261-276. doi: 10.1037/a0038567)