The 21st century business landscape is ever-changing and dynamic is more than clear to everyone. With the constant influx of new technologies, market disruptions, and other uncertainties, organisations need to have a strong and resilient workforce that can adapt and recover quickly from setbacks and challenges. The pandemic has definitely driven this home.
So what qualities should organisations look for in their employees to ensure their survival and success in the long run? Resilience and fortitude, of course.
Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back or recover from adversity. It is the capacity to adapt to change and overcome obstacles, remaining flexible and adaptable in the face of challenges.
Fortitude, on the other hand, refers to the strength and determination to endure difficult situations. It is the ability to remain steadfast and committed to one’s goals in the face of adversity, persisting even when faced with setbacks or obstacles.
“The ability to be resilient has always been an important trait for organisations, but it has become increasingly critical in recent years as businesses face a rapidly evolving and unpredictable marketplace.”
Rajesh Jain, CHRO, Welspun
In essence, resilience is about adapting to change and bouncing back, while fortitude is about enduring and persisting through challenging situations.
Rajesh Jain, CHRO, Welspun, agrees that resilience is a key trait that enables individuals and organisations to overcome challenges.
He strongly agrees that “the ability to be resilient has always been an important trait for organisations, but it has become increasingly critical in recent years as businesses face a rapidly evolving and unpredictable marketplace.”
Resilient organisations have a culture that fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration. They encourage their employees to take calculated risks and experiment with new ideas, which helps them stay ahead of the curve and respond quickly to changes in the market.
The combination of fortitude and resilience is a powerful asset for organisations navigating the dynamic and intricate business landscape of the 21st century.
Resilient employees can quickly adapt to new situations, while employees with fortitude carry on with persistence even through difficult times. This combination is particularly important for organisations that want to stay competitive in the long run.
Mukul Chopra, CHRO, Convegenius, opines that in today’s constantly changing world, resilience is an essential quality that individuals and organisations must possess to thrive.
Chopra says, “Resilience is not just about surviving, but it is all about thriving in the face of challenges. It is a critical skill for personal and professional growth, and it is becoming increasingly important in the workplace.”
Resilience and fortitude in leadership
Leaders who demonstrate these qualities have the ability to motivate their teams to persist during difficult times and bounce back swiftly from setbacks. They can also model the behaviours that they want to see in their employees and create a culture of resilience and determination within their organisation.
“Resilience is not just about surviving, but it is all about thriving in the face of challenges. It is a critical skill for personal and professional growth, and it is becoming increasingly important in the workplace.”
Mukul Chopra, CHRO, Convegenius
Role of communication
Effective communication is essential for fostering a culture of resilience and fortitude within an organisation. Leaders who are transparent and open with their employees about the challenges that the organisation is facing can help build trust and encourage collaboration.
Benefits of failure and how to learn from it
Resilient fortitude involves a willingness to take risks and learn from failure. Organisations that encourage experimentation and view failure as a learning opportunity can create a culture of continuous improvement.
Building resilient fortitude in organisation
Building resilient fortitude in an organisation is an ongoing process that requires a commitment to continuous learning, adaptation, and improvement.
Creating a culture of resilience starts at the top. Leaders need to set an example by being transparent, honest, and responsive to challenges. Encourage your team to take risks and learn from failures, celebrate successes, and support each other during tough times.
A growth mindset is the belief that skills and abilities can be developed through hard work, dedication, and determination. Encourage your team to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and keep learning and growing.
Innovation is essential for staying ahead of the curve and adapting to changing circumstances. Encourage the team to think creatively and embrace new ideas, technologies, and ways of working.
No organisation is immune to disruptions, so it’s essential to have backup or alternative plans in place to respond quickly and effectively to unexpected events. Organisations and employees need to be quick in identifying potential risks and develop plans to mitigate them, including backup systems, crisis communication protocols, and contingency funds.
Chopra says, “Resilience is a critical competency that organisations should prioritise when hiring and developing their employees. Building a resilient culture can help organisations navigate change and emerge stronger, making it a vital skill for the future.”
Future of resilient fortitude in organisations
As the business landscape continues to evolve, resilient fortitude will become an increasingly important quality for employees to possess. Organisations that invest in building these qualities in their employees will be better equipped to navigate the uncertainties of the future and achieve long-term success.
According to Jain, organisations that exhibit resilient fortitude have several key characteristics that enable them to thrive in challenging times. They are flexible and adaptable, able to pivot quickly when necessary and make changes to their strategy or operations. They are also able to learn from their experiences, both positive and negative, and use this knowledge to make better decisions in the future.
Jain believes that resilient fortitude is a valuable quality for organisations in 2023 and beyond.
“Both leaders and employees should work towards cultivating resilient fortitude, as it will empower them to flourish in a business environment that is becoming progressively intricate and fluid.” adds Jain.
In 2023 and beyond, organisations must be able to adapt to technological advancements, changing consumer needs, economic volatility, geopolitical risks, and other challenges that can have a significant impact on their operations.
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