I recently spent the day with a group of highly talented senior executives from across the prairies. At times the mood in the room was upbeat, swelling on a tone of optimism. At other times, it was quiet and almost reverent as we addressed the harsh reality of economic gloom in Alberta. It was strikingly similar to my experiences when engaging with financial services executives in 2008.

In working with executives across North America and as I conduct interviews for The 360 Degree CEO, I continually seek to identify and learn from successful people. Great leadership practices span industry, geography and company size.

When it comes to leadership resilience, here is some of what I have observed:

• Strong leaders take accountability for the situation.
  • They rarely display a victim mentality. This includes when responding to forces that are largely external or out of their control and even when the potential consequences may be damaging to them personally as well as professionally.
• Resilient leaders doubt themselves.
  • You read that correctly. While sociopaths can deliver shareholder value, particularly in the short term, the most resilient and adaptable leaders I have worked with leverage others’ talents. Resilient leaders do not espouse to have all the answers. In their humility, they seek counsel of their directors, colleagues and external advisors. When they enlist their staff’s opinions, they develop successors and create more highly functioning teams. They read biographies or speeches to seek lessons from those who have gone before – Churchill, Ghandi, Giuliani, Mother Theresa, Jack Welsh, Merkel, Thatcher and others.
• Inspiring leaders display confidence.
  • While they sometimes ask themselves if they are the “best person” for the job at a particular time, overall resilient leaders are grounded in a healthy self-esteem. They draw on their past experiences and know that personal growth results from challenges and failures.
  • As a result, when communicating to stakeholders, they demonstrate a quiet confidence and optimism. This engenders trust.
• Resilient leaders retain perspective.
  • Few are navigating a commercial jet in distress or conducting open-heart surgery. Many return home to supportive and loving family and friends.
  • They schedule leisure time and commit to exercise and other healthy practices. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Accountable leaders expect great results and take action when they are not achieved.
  • They hold their direct reports to a high standard of accountability and performance.
  • They set clear expectations of performance.
  • There is little tolerance for disrespect of staff, each other or customers.
  • They display and expect honesty, integrity, initiative and follow through.
  • There is little tolerance when commitments are repeatedly not met.
  • When results are not met, they take action – with respect. In this way, they set an example for others.

What is one strategy that you can better apply to further strengthen your resilience?

If you found this beneficial, click here for more ideas.