Resilience – the ability to bounce back from adversity and thrive under pressure – is often hailed as a key ingredient for success in the dynamic world of work. It empowers individuals to overcome setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook, fostering personal growth and contributing to a resilient organisational culture. But what happens when the pursuit of resilience becomes an obsession?
From ally to adversary: The pitfalls of overextending resilience
The pursuit of unattainable goals, coupled with a refusal to adapt, can transform resilience from an asset into a hindrance.
Sriharsha Achar, CHRO, Star Health Insurance, warns against the dangers of extreme resilience, where individuals chase unrealistic ambitions without acknowledging the necessary steps. This relentless pursuit, while seemingly admirable, can lead to wasted energy and ultimately hinder progress.
“The relentless pursuit of unrealistic ambitions, while seemingly admirable, can lead to wasted energy and ultimately hinder progress.”
Sriharsha Achar, CHRO, Star Health Insurance
Similarly, the tendency to overwork under the guise of resilience can be equally detrimental. Samir Bhiwarpurkar, head-HR, Japfa Comfeed, highlights the misconception that resilience equates to an ability to shoulder limitless burdens. This relentless drive to prove oneself can lead to burnout and mental health issues.
Furthermore, excessive resilience can morph into toxic positivity, a refusal to acknowledge failure or the need for adjustment.
Sharad Verma, CHRO, Iris Software, emphasises the dangers of this approach, which can foster an unhealthy work environment and hinder self-awareness.
Beyond personal well-being, the consequences of an overly resilient mindset extend to team dynamics. Employees who struggle with boundaries, even those driven by a desire to help others, can find themselves constantly overworked and isolated. This can lead to resentment and hinder collaboration.
Leadership under the microscope: Recognising the ripple effect
The impact of excessive resilience isn’t limited to individual employees. Leaders who overestimate their resilience may resist necessary changes, perpetuating outdated practices and hindering organisational growth, as Achar points out. This lack of self-awareness creates a ripple effect, impacting both teams and the overall culture.
“Beyond personal well-being, the consequences of an overly resilient mindset extend to team dynamics. Employees who struggle with boundaries, even those driven by a desire to help others, can find themselves constantly overworked and isolated.”
Sharad Verma, CHRO, Iris Software
Building a culture of balanced resilience: Strategies for success
So, how do we navigate this delicate balance? Achar advocates for a ‘balanced approach’ to resilience, where both individuals and organisations play a proactive role. Employees and leaders alike need to recognise their limits and cultivate self-awareness. Organisations can provide training to leaders on setting realistic expectations and understanding the limitations of high performers.
From a managerial standpoint, Bhiwarpurkar emphasises understanding individual strengths and weaknesses. By distributing workloads equitably and fostering a culture of open communication, managers can contribute to a healthier work environment. Establishing clear expectations, recognising burnout signs, and providing professional development resources are crucial steps.
On an individual level, Bhiwarpurkar advises employees to recognise their limits and seek help when needed.
“The tendency to overwork under the guise of resilience can be equally detrimental. This relentless drive to prove oneself can lead to burnout and mental health issues.”
Samir Bhiwarpurkar, head-HR, Japfa Comfeed
Verma emphasises setting boundaries, advocating for positive change, and taking charge of well-being. Regular check-ins, proactive support, and objective task distribution can further enhance the work culture.
The bottom line: A collaborative approach to a shared challenge
Resilience remains a valuable asset, but recognising its potential pitfalls is crucial. A collaborative effort between management and employees is essential to create a workplace where resilience empowers individuals, fosters innovation, and drives positive change. By fostering self-awareness, open communication, and a culture of support, we can ensure that resilience remains an ally, not an adversary, in the pursuit of success.