In today’s digital era, we frequently hear buzzwords that describe what makes an exceptional leader—tenacity, determination, authenticity, and more. Many of us admire psychologist Angela Duckworth’s renowned book, "Grit." However, I want to highlight a subtle nuance about a term often used to describe exceptional leaders: resilience. Resilience is crucial, allowing you to survive like a cockroach through tough times and come out intact. In today’s rapidly changing AI-driven world, however, resilience alone isn’t enough. What’s even more important is adaptability.
Adaptability is vital for true leadership success. It means not just surviving but transforming—beginning as a butterfly and emerging as a dragon. Charles Darwin captured this idea, noting, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” While resilience helps you weather the storm, adaptability enables you to harness its energy for unprecedented growth. It's about thriving in chaos and becoming your most formidable self. Let’s explore examples of resilience in action.
**Strengthen Your Mental Armor**
Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn is a prime example of mental toughness. Despite facing numerous setbacks and serious injuries, her mother's teachings on positivity helped her build the mental strength needed to persevere. Vonn decided from a young age that she wanted to be the greatest ski racer, always keeping her goal in sight. She reframed adversity as an opportunity for growth. This differentiated approach to leadership and adaptability is powerful.
**Build a 5-Year Working Plan**
I advise early-stage founders to create both short-term and long-term plans. Successful leaders clearly articulate their vision with a 5-year roadmap for achieving their goals. These plans evolve constantly, but they provide context for new information and help consider: How can I advance my 5-year plan now? Just as athletes learn to see the whole field, entrepreneurs should recognize opportunities in crises—not just withstand them. A long-term plan helps leaders execute swiftly and adapt better than those without one.
**Master Composure Amidst Chaos**
Leadership success never occurs in isolation. It relies on a team’s support. In uncertain times, adaptable leaders inspire their teams to be their best and handle stress gracefully. They lead by example. For instance, when I sold my first business, LearnVest, the process aligned with the due date of my first child. This significant change revealed a version of myself that was exceptionally calm and focused. I used the stress to enhance my abilities, tightened operations, and concentrated on strategic decisions. Like Lindsey Vonn, we remained laser-focused on our mission. Adaptable leaders shut out doubt and distraction, focusing on ways to achieve their goals, not just the obstacles.