Benchmarking resilience through self-awareness

The author and leadership coach Beth Benatti Kennedy explains how managers can benchmark the resilience of their teams

 

Many of the strategies that apply to benchmarking the resilience of an individual apply to benchmarking the resilience of a team. One of the strategies of my Benatti Resilience Model® is self-awareness. Self-awareness includes:  

• Purpose
• Mindset 
• Personality type 

1 Define and align with purpose

A key part of self-awareness is a clear sense of purpose. For individuals, purpose acts as an internal compass, guiding their actions and decisions. Similarly, teams must have a well-defined purpose that aligns with the organisation’s goals and values. As a manager, ensure that your team understands its role within the broader organisational context. Ask yourself: 

• Does your team know its goals?
• How do these goals fit into the organization’s plans, priorities, challenges and opportunities? 

Clarity of purpose enhances motivation, cohesion, and resilience. Teams with a strong sense of purpose are more likely to persevere through challenges and stay focused on their objectives.

 

2 Cultivate a growth mindset

Mindset is another critical component of self-awareness, and therefore, of resilience. Research shows that individuals with a growth mindset—those who believe that abilities can be developed through effort and learning—are more resilient. They embrace challenges, persist in the face of obstacles and seek opportunities for improvement.

 

For managers, fostering a growth mindset within the team is essential. Normalise failure as a learning experience and encourage team members to take risks and seek feedback. Create an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. This can be achieved by: 

• Promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Recognising and celebrating efforts and progress, not just outcomes. 

A team with a growth mindset is more adaptable, innovative, and resilient in the face of change.

 

3 Understand and leverage personality types

Self-awareness also involves understanding individual and team dynamics. People are most productive when they understand their strengths and how to leverage them. Various personality assessments can help identify individual preferences, work styles, strengths, and areas for development. I use an assessment tool called TypeCoach with teams. Managers have discovered many benefits through the assessment process including: 

• Enhanced communication and collaboration.
• An inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. 

4 Solicit feedback on a regular basis

Feedback is a vital tool for benchmarking and improving resilience. It is important to regularly seek feedback from team members to gauge their perceptions, experiences, and challenges. Encourage open and honest communication by: 

• Holding regular one-on-one and team meetings.
• Following up and acting on feedback to show that it is valued and taken seriously. 

Constructive feedback helps teams stay agile and responsive, fostering a culture of trust.

 

5 Trust your gut

Don’t underestimate the power of your intuition. While data and analysis are critical, sometimes gut feelings provide valuable insights. Encourage your team to trust their instincts and make decisions based on analysis, reflection, and intuitive understanding.

 

Benchmarking with self-awareness

Benchmarking team resilience involves a multifaceted approach that includes defining purpose, cultivating a growth mindset, understanding strengths and personality types, soliciting feedback, and trusting intuition. Use these self-awareness tactics to benchmark your team’s resilience as a starting point for boosting team resilience.

 

This is not just about productivity, it’s about how people get the job done, how well they work with each other, and how they move forward sustainably. Resilience is not just about bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about moving forward with strength and purpose. 

 

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As a business coach, Beth Benatti Kennedy guides leaders to develop resilience habits to support peak performance, maximise their professional and personal impact, positively influence the people they work with, and build their brand. She is the co-author of ReThink Resilience: 99 Ways to Recharge your Career and Life. 

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and Dilok Klaisataporn