Leadership – a subject that has been researched and written
about for hundreds of years. We all draw on the skills needed for leadership
whether it be in the home environment, in a social set up or at work.
Emotional Resilience (ER) – a subject that is seemingly new yet
the study of emotions by psychologists has been around for hundreds of years
but Emotional Resilience only recognised as a term in the 1970’s.
Leadership and ER are like two souls in love, they are linked,
unable to live without each other. ER is your ability to adapt to stressful
situations and crises – “bounce back”. Both biological and social factors
determine your resilience levels. Whilst it seems to come more naturally to
some, others of us have to work at it. Yes, it is something that can be
improved or even learnt regardless of what we are born with.
A perfect example of a leader who displayed the qualities of
being emotionally resilient is that of the late Nelson Mandela. Nelson
displayed the 5 resilient attributes: Perspective,
Awareness, Inner Control, Perseverance
and Optimism
Whilst the South African political status continues to furrow into uncertainty, the legacy left by this amazing leader leaves the Rainbow Nation
with some fundamental values. He created possibilities for the humanity of his
country and intimately attached a vision of unity for each South African.
“I went for a long
holiday for 27 years”, Nelson Mandela once said of his years in prison.
Facing a harsh regime on Robben Island he found “ …the confinement forbidding, there was no end and no beginning, only
one’s mind, which can begin to play tricks”.
Fortunately he had access to books and literature albeit
limited and had many years to master this practice. Through time and reading he
developed himself, and flourished with the 5 resilient qualities.
Perspective:
Given the harsh conditions he suffered, he still managed to keep perspective
and maintain an unbiased attitude reserving judgment. A psychological balance
was maintained irrespective of the battles, struggles and triumphs he faced.
Awareness: A man
who was self-aware yet also encouraged social awareness in his diverse nation. To
mention a couple, he created an awareness of the fight against racism and an
awareness of AIDS in Africa.
Inner Control:
His leadership oozed qualities of consistency and fairness, rarely an outlandish
emotional decision made. Rather than lashing out and making impulsive
standpoints, he developed wisdom and willpower, evaluating all the time.
Perseverance:
Determination personified whilst remaining aligned with his values. Quitting
can sometime seem the easy way out yet he never gave up and was one hundred
percent committed to his outcome.
Optimism: Against
all odds, remained focused on the goal. This is an admirable quality to be
able to see the positives and reframe all the negatives, resulting in a
positive mental state.
Given the circumstances Madiba had
to endure, emotional resilience contributed largely in supporting his great leadership. Should be clear to you
now, how Leadership and ER go hand in hand?
Article written by Leigh McKay
@workwisely
@workwisely