In a world where transformation is constant, resilience and well-being have become critical capabilities and not just for individuals, but for entire organizations. Episode 158 of the Performance Matters podcast, titled “Fostering Resilience,” dives deep into how companies can build a culture that supports people through change and uncertainty.
Hosted by Michael Thiel, this episode features two seasoned experts from GP Strategies: Leah Clark, Practice Lead for Leadership Consulting, and Dr. Cheryl Jackson, Director of Organizational Design and Change Management. Together, they explore the human side of transformation and offer practical, research-backed strategies for cultivating resilience at every level of the organization.
Why Resilience and Wellbeing Matter More Than Ever
As Leah and Cheryl explain, resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and grow from adversity, while wellbeing encompasses mental, emotional, and physical health. All of which are essential for maintaining performance, engagement, and trust during times of change.
“We need to stop thinking of resilience as something we summon only during crisis,” says Leah. “Instead, we should be building it during steady times, so we’re ready when disruption hits.”
Cheryl adds that transformation, whether digital, structural, or cultural, can be deeply taxing on employees. Without intentional support, organizations risk burnout, disengagement, and even a breakdown in trust between employees and leadership.
The Four Cs of Resilience
To make resilience actionable, Leah introduces a simple but powerful framework: the Four Cs:
- Care: Prioritize self-care and mental health. Encourage boundaries and provide access to support resources.
- Connection: Foster strong networks of support among peers, leaders, and teams.
- Communication: Create psychologically safe environments where people can speak openly about challenges and change.
- Coping: Help individuals identify and use coping strategies that work for them, whether it’s mindfulness, movement, or creative expression.
Leah also introduces a fifth “C”: Customization. Leaders must recognize that resilience manifests differently for each individual. What works for one person may not work for another, and that’s okay.
Leadership and Culture: The Cornerstones of Resilience
Both guests emphasize that leaders play a pivotal role in modeling and supporting resilience. But it starts with trust.
“You can’t support someone’s well-being if they don’t trust you,” says Cheryl. “And you can’t build trust without vulnerability and openness.”
Organizational culture also plays a major role. If leaders say they value wellbeing but send emails at midnight, employees will take note. Culture must align with values, and those values must be visible in everyday behaviors.
Practical Strategies for Organizations
So how can organizations put these ideas into practice? Leah and Cheryl offer several concrete recommendations:
- Provide training on resilience and stress management before change happens.
- Offer flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
- Normalize conversations around mental health.
- Establish peer support groups to foster connection.
- Reinforce purpose and alignment so employees see how their work contributes to something bigger.
Cheryl also recommends conducting wellbeing impact assessments during change planning. “We often assess stakeholder readiness,” she says, “but we rarely ask how a change will affect people’s mental and emotional health.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Resilience
As organizations continue to evolve, especially with the rise of AI and digital transformation, resilience and wellbeing will only grow in importance.
“Transformation may be driven by technology,” Leah notes, “but it’s enabled by people.”
Organizations that invest in their people’s wellbeing will not only weather change more effectively, they’ll gain a lasting competitive advantage.
Final Takeaways
- Dr. Cheryl Jackson: “You can’t have resilient organizations without resilient people. Resilience is built, not born.”
- Leah Clark: “Cultivate well-being during steady times so you can lean on it during transformation.”
Listen Now
This episode is a must-listen for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone navigating change. Tune in below to hear the whole conversation and gain insights you can apply today.
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