Uncertainty Isn’t the Enemy
Uncertainty is a given in today’s world. Markets shift, projects pivot, and plans fall apart. But here’s the thing: resilient teams don’t just survive uncertainty—they thrive in it. They’re adaptable, resourceful, and connected. The good news? Resilience isn’t something teams are born with—it’s something you can build.
Have you ever been so busy that you didn’t realize how far off track you’d gotten until you hit a wall? That’s where reflection comes in.
Regular retrospectives give teams the chance to pause, take stock, and decide what to do differently moving forward. They’re not just about identifying mistakes but about learning from them. As Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”
Encourage your team to ask:
By building this habit of reflection, teams become better equipped to navigate challenges, big or small. I’ve found that assessments are very effective at supporting reflection.
Resilience starts with trust, and trust is built through shared experiences. Whether it’s a formal team-building event or simply grabbing coffee together, creating opportunities for connection matters.
Think of it like this: when a team knows each other beyond the tasks at hand, they’re more likely to support each other when things get tough. Trust doesn’t eliminate uncertainty, but it makes it easier to face together.
And don’t forget to celebrate wins—big or small. Leslie Yerkes put it this way: “What gets celebrated gets repeated.” Recognizing achievements reinforces the behaviors and values that make a team strong.
Nobody likes to fail, but avoiding failure at all costs is the enemy of innovation. Instead, resilient teams treat failures as experiments. When something goes wrong, they ask:
Encourage your team to see failure as part of the process. As Brené Brown says, “There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.” Create a space where people feel safe taking risks and reflecting on the results—good or bad. This can be hard, so getting a coach to support you is a great tactic.
When teams focus too much on checking off tasks, they can lose sight of what really matters. Resilient teams shift their mindset from outputs (what gets done) to outcomes (the impact of what gets done).
Help your team own the “why” behind their work. What problem are they solving? Who are they solving it for? When people understand the bigger picture, they’re more motivated, more creative, and better able to weather setbacks.
We’ve all heard it: “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” Resilient teams live by this mantra. Instead of obsessing over every detail, they aim to make progress, learn, and iterate.
Think about the tech world’s mantra: launch, learn, iterate. This mindset doesn’t just apply to software—it’s a powerful way to approach any challenge. Encourage your team to take bold steps, even if they’re not perfect. As one team member once told me, “You can’t steer a parked car.”
Building Resilience Starts Now
Resilient teams don’t happen by accident. They’re built intentionally through reflection, connection, learning, and a shared focus on outcomes. When teams adopt a mindset of progress over perfection, they become more than just good at weathering storms—they thrive in them.
So, take a moment. What’s one thing you can do today to help your team build resilience? Whether it’s running a retrospective, organizing a team lunch, or celebrating a small win, it all starts with one step.