In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Thomas Gelmi about fostering a resilient environment within the workplace. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Thomas and Jonathan discussed strategies for fostering a resilient environment within the workplace, with a focus on leadership development, personal and interpersonal competence, and customer relations. They emphasized the importance of accepting and adapting to the challenges of the modern workplace, as well as the need for an optimistic mindset and solution-focused approach. The conversation also touched on the concept of negative bias in leadership and the importance of intentionally shifting focus to appreciate the positive aspects of the organization.
Fostering Resilience in the Workplace Discussion
Thomas and Jonathan had a discussion about fostering a resilient environment within the workplace. Thomas, an executive coach with over two decades of experience, shared his background, including his time spent with Swiss Air and his various other roles. He also highlighted his journey, which led him to realize his passion for people and his ability to contribute to organizations. Jonathan, welcoming Thomas back as a guest, was set to facilitate a dialogue focusing on personal and interpersonal competence, leadership, teamwork, and customer relations.
Leadership Resilience in the New Era
Jonathan and Thomas discussed the concept of resilience in the workplace, with a focus on leadership development. Thomas emphasized the importance of personal and interpersonal competence for leaders, stating that resilience starts with oneself. They acknowledged the challenges leaders face in today's complex and constantly changing environment, with Thomas introducing the acronym 'Bonnie' to describe the four main characteristics of this new era: brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible. They agreed on the need for leaders to demonstrate resilience and set a positive tone for their teams.
Leadership Resilience and Radical Acceptance
Thomas and Jonathan discussed the importance of resilience and radical acceptance in leadership. Thomas emphasized the need to understand and accept the things that cannot be changed, and to focus on the aspects that can be influenced. Jonathan struggled with this approach, as he often felt compelled to push for change in systems that he believed were harming people. However, they both agreed that this strategy was unsustainable and would drain their energy. Ultimately, Thomas encouraged Jonathan to adopt a more accepting mindset and to strategically focus on the things he could influence, while Jonathan's team started to model this resilience.
Optimism, Solution Focus, and Emotional Climates
Thomas emphasized the importance of having an optimistic mindset in the face of adversity, which he defined as believing in a positive outcome despite challenging circumstances. He contrasted this with toxic positivity and denial, explaining that optimism is about maintaining confidence and faith in the team or organization. Thomas also introduced the concept of solution focus, which he described as directing one's attention and conversations towards solutions rather than problems. He gave an example of how a problem-focused meeting versus a solution-focused meeting would generate different emotional climates and outcomes.
Addressing Negative Bias in Leadership
Thomas and Jonathan discussed the concept of negative bias in leadership and its implications. Thomas explained how the negative bias can cause leaders to focus primarily on problems and issues, creating a negative atmosphere and climate within the organization. He emphasized the need for leaders to intentionally shift their focus to also appreciate the good things happening in the organization, thereby changing the culture over time. Jonathan agreed with this approach, emphasizing the importance of having a positive mindset and addressing challenges with optimism. They both acknowledged that problems and issues are a natural part of work and businesses, and that focusing on solving one problem after another is more realistic and less biased.
Thomas Shares Insights and Future Collaboration
Jonathan provided an opportunity for Thomas to connect with the audience and share about his work and team. Thomas advised the audience to focus on building resilience and optimism, suggesting a daily reflection exercise to celebrate small successes.
Listen to the webinar here:
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