- By Charles Miller
Systemic failures hit the United Kingdom air travel industry recently.
It left thousands of passengers stranded, underscoring the critical importance of resilience – staying calm, being flexible, focusing on outcomes, and maintaining a positive outlook, in the face of external shocks.
Laura Davies, a marketing executive from Manchester, was one, excitedly setting off for a long-planned family reunion in Spain.
However, her plans were upended when their flight was delayed indefinitely due to a nationwide system failure.
Uncertainty reigned and with limited communication from authorities, Laura became increasingly frustrated.
Worse, her children were tired, upset, noisy and becoming ever more fractious.
Instead of “packing a sad”, Laura found a quiet spot where her family could rest, away from the drama.
She settled her kids by playing games with them and telling stories about where they were heading and memories from her own childhood.
She also connected with other stranded passengers, sharing advice and support, and gathering snippets of insight.
By focusing on what was most critical at each point, and focusing only on what she could control, Laura stayed calm despite the chaos around her.
Laura’s story highlights how unexpected disruptions can challenge even the best-laid plans.
It also emphasises the importance of staying calm, flexible, and connected when faced with traumatic situations.
Resilience is the ability to remain calm and respond proactively to sudden adversity.
For business leaders such as Laura, it’s not just about bouncing back but being prepared and thriving in the face of sudden change.
In practice resilience is a series of stages that can transform a crisis into an opportunity for growth.
First is acceptance. Recognise that the situation has changed and take ownership of the new reality.
Laura did not waste time by panicking! Stay calm, slow your breathing down, think first and then do not react – respond.
Next is response. Understand your new reality, seek the knowledge, wisdom and perspective to reframe disasters as opportunities to realise.
Generate alternative outcomes to the situation, weigh them up, and choose the best path forward.
Plans will change, often and dramatically. Expect and embrace uncertainty and be ready to adapt.
Finally, move on. This involves not just surviving a crisis but thriving on whatever life throws at you.
This proactive, growth mindset ensures you’re always in control.
Resilience is even more about attitude than it’s about action.
Believe in your ability to overcome challenges and turn them into opportunities.
If you believe it, you will achieve it!
