What are the most common misconceptions about resilience?

Resilience has become a buzzword in the business world, but what does it really mean? As organizations face unprecedented challenges, understanding resilience is more crucial than ever. However, misconceptions about this vital trait abound, potentially hindering its development and application in the workplace. Recent studies show that 86% of companies view resilience as a key factor in long-term success, yet only 32% feel adequately prepared to foster it within their teams.

To shed light on this critical topic, we’ve asked two industry experts to address the most common misconceptions about resilience. Our contributors bring diverse perspectives from organizational psychology, leadership development, and frontline experience. Their insights reveal recurring themes about the dynamic nature of resilience and its importance in adapting to change. Let’s explore these myths and how understanding them can transform your approach to building a more adaptable and robust workforce.

Our first contributor, Rob Hosking, an international TEDx motivational speaker and former front-line Police Officer, offers unique insights from his experiences in high-pressure environments.

Rob Hosking

Rob Hosking, an international TEDx motivational speaker and former front-line Police Officer, addresses the most common misconceptions about resilience. According to Hosking, the primary misconception is that resilience is an innate trait that people either have or don’t have.

“We weren’t just born to be resilient. It’s something that we learn,” Hosking emphasizes. He explains that while some individuals may appear to have higher resilience levels, this is due to their experiences rather than an inherent quality. Hosking’s perspective is rooted in his background as a police officer, where he developed high resilience through challenging experiences.

Resilience is a skill that can be developed and improved over time. Hosking states, “We can work on our resiliency. We can train our resiliency levels to be better.” This insight is particularly valuable for organizations looking to build more resilient teams. By understanding that resilience is not fixed, employers can implement training programs and create environments that foster resilience growth among their employees.

As we explore the topic of resilience further, Devon Harris offers additional perspectives on common misconceptions. For now, the key takeaway is that resilience is a learnable skill, not an inherent trait. Organizations and individuals alike can benefit from actively working to improve their resilience levels, leading to better adaptability and performance in challenging situations.

Devon Harris

Devon Harris, a three-time Olympian and member of the first Jamaican bobsled team offers a unique perspective on resilience drawn from his experiences as an elite athlete. What are the most common misconceptions about resilience? According to Harris, the biggest myths are that resilience means being unbreakable, that it’s a solo journey, and that it’s an innate trait.

Harris emphasizes that resilience isn’t about being invincible or suppressing emotions. Instead, he views it as the ability to face challenges head-on while acknowledging and working through difficult feelings. This aligns with the understanding that resilience involves experiencing a full range of emotions, not just positive ones. Harris shares personal examples from his Olympic career, highlighting that even top athletes face setbacks and emotional struggles.

Contrary to the notion that resilience is a solitary endeavour, Harris stresses the importance of community and support networks. He compares this to the teamwork required in bobsledding, illustrating how resilience thrives through connection with others. This insight complements previous perspectives by emphasizing the social aspect of resilience, which is often overlooked in individual-focused approaches.

Perhaps most importantly, Harris debunks the myth that resilience is a fixed trait. He describes it as a skill that can be developed and a muscle that can be strengthened through practice, small wins, and even failures. This aligns with research showing that resilience is a dynamic quality requiring constant adaptation. Harris’s perspective offers a hopeful and actionable approach to building resilience, encouraging individuals to view challenges as opportunities for growth.