Vivian Blade 
During a crisis, it can feel like you’re on a high-speed bullet train heading to a place you’ve never been before. You didn’t buy a ticket and you don’t want to go. This journey certainly was not by choice. But now that you’re on the train, you must contend with the hand you’ve been dealt. … Read more
Here’s a truth most organizations are not prepared to admit: leaders are dangerously unprepared to guide their teams through a crisis. Critical gaps exist in the development of resilience ready leaders, which is a significant obstacle threatening leaders’ ability to operate with resilience, both personally and professionally. It’s not only individuals who get stuck at … Read more
If an organization wants to be prepared for a crisis, then it must create a culture where its employees can thrive. When employees are thriving, they are fully engaged and ready to face a crisis head-on. They feel like they have more control over outcomes and are more invested in finding solutions. When we are … Read more
Simone Biles displayed extraordinary courage as she stepped back from the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics gymnastics competitive events. She displayed even greater courage as she spoke publicly about the pressure and stress experienced, yet continued to support her teammates with genuine enthusiasm. Tennis professional Naomi Osaka’s courage in pulling out of the 2021 French Open … Read more
Over the last few weeks, I’ve touched on a few of the mindsets that can keep you from moving forward in your career – and even make your job more vulnerable during times of crisis. Specifically, I mentioned Victimhood, Settling, and Surviving. Sadly there are many of us that never get beyond the survival stage. … Read more
Do you ever feel stuck in your career? You’d be surprised by just how many people are simply surviving in their jobs; going through the motions every day in order to pay their rent or mortgage. Let me tell you a story about “Orlando.” He knew that after a major restructuring due to a merger, … Read more
One of my coaching clients was dealing with a stressful work environment because of a toxic leader. This leader had been with the company for over twenty years, was politically connected, and was unwilling to receive constructive feedback. My client, worn down by the negativity and lack of support for her team, eventually gave up … Read more
As you build personal resilience, you’re in a better position to inspire collective team and organizational resilience. However, along the path to resilience there are challenges that all of us must overcome. And these challenges are often out of our control. This can make us feel powerless and alone. Many years ago when I was … Read more
One of the greatest obstacles to leading with resilience and incorporating that resilience into your leadership practice is dealing with your own internal crisis. One of the side effects of dealing with a crisis or challenge is that it can shut us down emotionally. This means we are simultaneously fighting on two fronts – dealing … Read more
In my experience, there are three common fears that loom as towering walls limiting our ability to operate with resilience and incorporate that resilience into our day-to-day leadership practice. Fear of Uncertainty The uncertainty about what’s ahead often prevents us from dealing effectively with immediate crises. Yes, we realize things will no longer be the … Read more
Copyright 2023 Vivian Blade
