A successful team is always associated with multiple adjectives such as productive, confident, efficient, and so on. But what happens when the organization is faced with unforeseen circumstances? Do all these adjectives and qualities still matter? The pandemic demonstrated to the world how quickly the cards can fall. To deal with such critical situations, resilient leaders, organizations, and team members can really and realistically help keep the boat afloat.
A resilient team is composed of people who exhibit resilience as a key characteristic in their demeanor. Resilience is defined as the ability to recover from adversity and see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. As simple as it appears, many reports suggest that resilience should be studied and accepted as a personality trait. Which clearly means how not very common the trait is.
There are many characteristics or sub-segmented traits associated with resilient teams, but here are the top seven habits of an actual resilient team, that set them apart.
Resilient teams bounce back from adversities positively
Adversity is a part of every team, project, or organization. However, giving up is never the best way to deal with adversity. Seeing the bright side of a situation is always the best way to recover without causing conflict within the team. This is also related to the fact that when an adversary meets critical feedback, it is viewed as a catalyst for better growth rather than a source of mockery.
According to Michael in his book Head Strong, a resilient person will return to their original self after experiencing trauma. Resilience is all about getting back to square one after a difficult experience, and this habit helps to build resilient teams. This team’s members can see the bright side of any situation and remain solution-oriented in and out. As a result, a nest of learnings is being built from past failures and experiences.
Resilient teams act as a strategic unit that takes responsibility for actions
Most organizations suffer from an internal divide. However, organizations realize that trust within teams and the organization is an important factor that can cater to a stronger bond, paving the way for success. This bond can then lead to a team acting as a unit, where there is no blame shifting and everyone works together.
Working as a trusted unit is a fundamental habit of a resilient team. The team operates on mutual trust and with a single goal in mind. It enables them to collaborate on the problem at hand and find solutions together, fostering a mutually beneficial environment. Strategic thinking is at the heart of a resilient team, allowing it to function as a unit where everyone’s effort contributes to the completion of a large jigsaw puzzle.
Resilient teams practice effective communication
80% of workers in the United States have experienced work stress as a result of ineffective workplace communication. Work-related stress causes a great deal of anxiety and stress, which has an impact on an individual’s overall well-being. But where does this stress come from? Uncertain expectations, ambiguity, and a sense of disassociation are the root causes of workplace stress, and ineffective communication leaves people perplexed and clueless at their work.
A resilient team and its members practice effective communication to ensure a smooth flow of information. This opens up multiple channels, resulting in an incredible bridge of constructive feedback and solutions, which is a key characteristic of resilience.
Resilient teams collaborate on problem-solving and critical thinking
In today’s constantly changing business world, it is important for teams to always be open to trying new ways to achieve positive outcomes. Problem-solving collaboration should never be rigid and formula-oriented. Critical thinking allows for better judgment without being hurried or panicked in an adverse situation.
Resilient teams have a habit of working together that is based on trust and mutual understanding. This is due to open communication and diverse thinking. The team functions as a cohesive unit, listening to one another with respect and an open mind. This aids in moving ideas from the bottom of the hierarchical loop to the top, making it an essential and effective habit.
Resilient teams never participate in blame-shifting or individualistic mindset
Approximately 70% of all projects fail. Yes, 70%. However, this does not mean that businesses will crumble and shatter after each and every blow, bit by bit. Every organization strives to maintain a high level of achievement despite experiencing highs and lows. When projects fail, however, a sense of discontinuity and resentment can be seen and is frequently expressed by people. But where does this lead?
When it comes to meeting goals and achieving excellence, blame-shifting and an individualistic approach have no place. A resilient team is a close-knit group. This aids in bouncing back as needed because everyone on the team accepts responsibility for the actions and outcomes in front of them. The leadership adheres to the principles of resilience as well, which helps in restoring the essence of support and engagement to move forward, together, with dignity.
Resilient teams maintain strong relationships by practicing equality and diversity
Rome was not built in a day. Rome was also not built by a single person; it was built by a collaborative effort of many individuals together. Regardless of the situation, project, or timeline, strong relationships have aided organizations in a variety of ways. Workplace relationships have also been shown to be an excellent way to reduce attrition because they provide a sense of belonging.
A diverse and equal team will have the potential to become a resilient team in all aspects. The foundation of a resilient team is support and empowerment, which can only be practiced with strong relationships and value systems. A resilient team has the habit of hearing all voices without bias, delegating work without judgment, and growing together under the leadership of a strong individual who wears the same colors as the platoon.
Resilient teams use everyone’s strength to get a favorable outcome
Every person is different and brings a unique talent to the table. However, it is useful only if it is recognized and utilized correctly. According to a Gallup study, teams that use individual strengths outperform teams that do not. This improves performance by 8-18% while also increasing employee engagement by 7-23%. It even helps to reduce attrition between 20-73%.
A resilient team participates in strength assessment workshops and exercises. Based on this, strategic delegation occurs, resulting in mutual growth and success. This enables each team member to collaborate and contribute to the best of their abilities, ensuring that each project is completed successfully.
A resilient team can only thrive in the presence of a resilient leader. Someone who can keep their cool while exhibiting all these habits can help their teams reach new heights. Organizations are recognizing the importance of resilience because it aids in dealing with adversity and standing firm after/ during hard times. Numly understands the importance of resilience and thus assists organizational leaders in gaining the skills to enhance productivity, foster increased employee engagement, and cultivate effective leadership within their teams.
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