Can resilience be taught, or is it an innate trait?

In today’s fast-paced business world, resilience has become a crucial skill for success. But can this valuable trait be developed, or are some people simply born with it? This question has sparked debate among psychologists, business leaders, and educators alike. Recent studies suggest that 73% of employers consider resilience a key factor in hiring decisions, highlighting its growing importance in the workplace.

To shed light on this topic, we’ve gathered insights from two industry experts. Our contributors offer diverse perspectives on whether resilience can be taught or if it’s an innate trait. Their insights reveal a common theme: while some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards resilience, it is a skill that can be cultivated and strengthened over time.

For event planners and decision-makers looking to foster resilience in their teams, understanding these expert viewpoints can provide valuable strategies for developing this critical skill in professional settings. Let’s explore what our experts have to say about building resilience in the workplace.

Alex Staniforth

Alex Staniforth, a record-breaking adventurer, ultra-endurance athlete, and resilience coach, addresses the question: Can resilience be taught, or is it an innate trait? Staniforth asserts that while some people may be naturally more resilient due to their experiences, resilience can indeed be taught and intentionally developed. He states, “We can all intentionally build our resilience so that we’re better able to deal with these situations when they arise, and therefore we become happier, healthier, and more productive.”Staniforth compares resilience to building a muscle, explaining that exposure to challenges strengthens one’s ability to cope with future stressors. He draws from his personal experiences, including two attempts on Mount Everest and surviving two major disasters, to illustrate how resilience can be developed over time. This process of building resilience through experience has equipped him with a skillset that allows him to face everyday challenges with greater ease.

Key takeaways for developing resilience include:

1. Intentionally seeking out challenging experiences
2. Reflecting on past difficulties to identify coping mechanisms
3. Gradually increasing exposure to stressors, much like progressive overload in strength training

For event planners and decision-makers, Staniforth’s insights suggest that resilience-building activities and training programs can be valuable investments for teams and organizations. By creating opportunities for employees to face and overcome challenges in controlled environments, leaders can foster a more resilient workforce.

As we explore this topic further, additional expert perspectives may offer complementary strategies for cultivating resilience in professional settings. The key message remains clear: resilience is a skill that can be taught, developed, and strengthened through intentional practice and exposure to challenges.

Claire Brumby

Claire Brumby, an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and accredited ICF coach, offers a resounding “yes” to the question: Can resilience be taught, or is it an innate trait? Drawing from her personal experience of overcoming a life-threatening illness and founding a multi-award-winning healthy snacking brand, Brumby provides a unique perspective on developing resilience.

Brumby emphasizes that resilience is like a muscle that can be strengthened through consistent, practical exercise. She introduces three actionable techniques to build resilience:

1. The “Three Things Plus” method: At the end of each day or project, identify three things that went well and one challenge you overcame. This trains the brain to spot opportunities in setbacks.
2. Practice small, intentional discomforts: Regularly push yourself out of your comfort zone, such as pitching to a challenging client or speaking up in meetings.
3. The “What’s Next?” technique: When faced with a setback, give yourself a brief moment to process, then immediately focus on the next step forward.

Brumby’s approach differs from traditional positive thinking methods by emphasizing practical, consistent actions. Her insights are particularly valuable for business leaders and entrepreneurs, as she relates resilience-building to real-world business scenarios. By framing setbacks as opportunities using the “because of” mindset, Brumby offers a fresh perspective on turning challenges into stepping stones for success.