How a small, simple word makes a big difference in boosting your resilience in leadership
When faced with challenges, especially in leadership, boosting your resilience is crucial.
I was reminded of this recently when my grandson started learning to tie his shoes. A task that seems simple to many of us is a monumental challenge for a child. The frustration of not getting it right is real, but it’s also a learning opportunity that can teach us something about resilience.
When he said, “Oma, I can’t do it,” I applied the wisdom of psychologist Carol Dweck, who discovered that a simple word could be the key to developing a growth mindset and resilience.
That word is “yet”.
The Power of “Yet” in Boosting Your Resilience in Leadership
A seemingly innocuous term, but its power lies in the possibility it suggests.
It’s an invitation to keep trying, to continue working, and to never concede defeat.
It underlines the idea that with continued practice, persistence, and learning from our mistakes, we can tap into our potential and overcome challenges.
When my grandson says he can’t tie his shoes, my response to him is, “You haven’t learned how to tie your shoes, yet. Keep practicing, you’ll get there.” I watch as his eyes light up with renewed determination.
He is learning the power of perseverance.
Now, what if we apply this mindset to the adult world, to the professional challenges we face every day?
Perhaps it’s a staffing problem, team infighting, or implementing a new system – all scenarios that can induce stress and feelings of overwhelm.
How about putting into practice a three-step formula to shift our mindset from a negative space to a positive belief in our abilities to tackle any challenge:
- Acknowledge the reality of the challenge you’re facing.
- Affirm the situation with the word “yet”.
- Conclude on a positive note, emphasizing personal agency to figure out the challenge.
Here are some examples:
“We haven’t figured out how to solve our staffing problem, yet. The more we open our minds to strategies we haven’t tried before, we’ll eventually find a solution.”
“My team isn’t working collaboratively, yet. We have the tools and the willingness to create a healthy workplace.”
“The new system isn’t as easy to use as the old one, yet. With practice and patience, we’ll master it and improve our productivity.”
See how “yet” subtly shifts the perspective from problem-focused to solution-oriented?
Reflect on your current challenges.
How can you incorporate the transformative power of “yet” into your approach?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, and how you plan to use this small, simple word to bolster your resilience and encourage a growth mindset in your professional journey.
Remember, the only limit to your growth is the one you impose on yourself. It’s not that you can’t – it’s that you haven’t… yet.
About the author
Bonnie Artman Fox, MS, LMFT works with executive leaders who want to gain self-awareness about the impact of their words and actions and up-level their interpersonal skills.
Drawing from decades as a psychiatric nurse and licensed family therapist, Bonnie brings a unique perspective to equip executive leaders with the roadmap to emotional intelligence that brings teams together.
Bonnie’s leadership Turnaround coaching program has an 82% success rate in guiding leaders to replace abrasive behavior with tact, empathy, and consideration of others. The end result is a happy, healthy, and profitable workplace…sooner vs. later.