I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that the last three weeks have been a roller-coaster. They’ve been unpredictable, disruptive, and confusing. I’ve lost quite a few great opportunities that came my way. And I’ve also gained a few surprise opportunities that I didn’t see coming. And that’s the point. How do we build resilience during uncertain times and stay afloat long enough to ride out the storm?

Before I dive into my five articles, let me pose a question:

What does resilience look like to you? 

This week, I challenge you to answer this question in a way that helps you feel grounded, or centered, or present, or mindful, or calm. For many of my clients these days, coaching has taken on a new form. One of support, friendship, and sharing. We aren’t always able to share our deepest concerns with those around us.

So, if you find you are struggling these days, I have an offer for you.

I am offering one free month of coaching (up to two sessions) to discuss anything on your mind. There’s no obligation to purchase anything. It’s just an offer to get on a call to discuss the areas in your professional life that are feeling tenuous and uncertain. The offer is good through April 30, 2020, so make sure to reach out to me before then to get on my calendar. 

Anyone is welcome to participate, even if you’ve worked with me before.

With that, here are five articles about building resilience in the face of uncertainty, including key tips on how to fine-tune your leadership approach as it relates to the Coronavirus.

1. Five science backed strategies to build resilience.

In uncertain times, it’s important to stay grounded and focus on what’s in front of you at any given moment while staying calm and level-headed. This article from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley explores the five strategies that will help you stay in that moment of mindfulness. It includes changing the narrative, facing your fears, and practicing self-compassion. It’s a great article with a simple but powerful message — be kind to yourself.

2. Three qualities leaders need in an uncertain future.

As the article from IDEO states, “The ability to navigate ambiguity will be one of the key leadership qualities of our time.” Very true! With that, the article goes on to explore the three ways creativity can help leaders through unpredictability in their work environments.

3. How to keep your team motived remotely.

Here’s an article from Harvard Business Review about the challenges of keeping your team motivated as you work remotely. Let’s be clear, working from home is great if you’re used to it and it’s a personal choice. These days, many of the people around us are distracted and trying to navigate deliverables while being asked to work in a new and unfamiliar way. This article explores the concept of play and how it can help you find reengagement with your work and team. Interestingly, HBR has decided to make their articles about the Coronavirus available for free so if you happen to get on the website, make sure to check out their library here.

4. Leading through Coronavirus. 

The Whiley Online Library has unlocked a number of their articles on leadership. This link provides a curated list from their archives with a focus on leading through Coronavirus, particularly leading through crisis and leading through uncertain times. All articles are available for download to PDF. If you don’t have time to read it now, make sure to download it for later reading.

5. Eight tips to Coronavirus-proof your business.

It’s a basic list but a good reminder to focus on the foundational elements first — customer support, automated systems, and offerings that help your customers now. And while you may not run your own business, this advice still resonates if you have to be creative with your deliverables and teams.

If you are interested in working with me for a month of coaching, please feel free to send me a note directly at christina@christinaholloway.com. I’m looking forward to connecting.

 

 

Christina Holloway is an executive coach and business coach. She helps executives and entrepreneurs grow their companies faster, create results-driven teams, and increase profitability. She has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Addicted2Success and Fast Company. If you’re interested in working with Christina, take a look at her strategy sessions and contact her to get started.