Expect the Unexpected: Building Resilience in your Team

⚠️ Trigger warning: Sensitive Content. We want to ensure that our readers prioritize their well-being when engaging with this content. This blog covers topics that some may find emotionally challenging.  

Not everything goes to plan 

This week’s Lead the Standard newsletter is a bit different from our usual fare. I originally planned to write about internal audits and the power of continual improvement for your business. But with so much on my mind lately, I struggled to find the inspiration I needed. So, instead, its landing in your inbox a day late and I’m sharing a personal story that underscores why resilience is at the heart of everything we do at ATOL, and how facing challenges head-on can prepare you for the unexpected. 

Twelve months and three days ago, at the age of 40, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I received the news on a Friday, had a tearful catch-up with Jackie on Sunday, and by Monday, we were back to delivering two days of live virtual training with our biggest, bravest faces, hoping no one noticed our puffy eyes—all while I waited for a call from the oncology team. 

The diagnosis was a shock, both personally and professionally. Our small team was already managing other challenges, and as the backbone of ATOL, I couldn’t afford to be unwell—people rely on me! 

Yet, despite these hurdles, Jackie, the team, and I kept pushing forward—not because we wanted to, but because we ‘had’ to. It wasn’t good timing, but is there ever a good time for news like this? 

ATOL had big plans. We still do. Our strong systems and processes were a lifeline, providing the peace of mind I needed to focus on my health. It’s these structures that helped us stay resilient, and as a result, we finished 2023 as our best year yet. I hope by sharing this story, you’ll see how crucial it is to have these elements in place for your business too. 

Twelve months on, the enormity of what we’ve all been through hit me like a tonne of bricks over the weekend. I’m on the other side now, with time to reflect. My thoughts keep returning to an analogy my beautiful breast care nurse, Sharron (Shaz), shared with my partner and me at our first meeting—“Life after a cancer diagnosis is like a snow globe—your life is shaken up, and all the little snowflakes represent your values and priorities. When they finally settle, they don’t land in the same place as before.” This analogy has stuck with me, reminding me that life’s challenges, like snow globes, offer us a new perspective once the storm has passed. If you’re interested in learning more about the snow globe effect, you can find more here: The Snow Globe Effect 

So, how did this affect ATOL over the past 12 months? Well, I won’t lie—it was a tough, stressful, and emotional time for the whole team, not just for me. But this unplanned hurdle has shown that we are a resilient bunch, and I’d like to think that the positive side of all this is the way our snowflakes have landed in a better place. 

Helping Yourself and Others Through Change

The Helping Yourself and Others Through Change 1.0 course equips individuals with practical strategies to navigate change effectively. Through online modules, participants learn about psychological aspects of change, coping mechanisms, and managing resistance. This course is essential for professionals seeking to thrive in dynamic environments.

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Prepare for the Unexpected 

So, what did we do when those two live training days were over? We practised what we preach. Jackie and I completed a gap analysis, reprioritised our time and energy, reviewed our (human) resources, and as a result, our team has grown from three to seven in just eight short months. And I’m sure you’ll agree these new team members have been an amazing addition to the ATOL family! 

Six Ways to Be Ready for the Unexpected 

In today’s fast-paced world, managing our energy is more critical than managing time. As leaders and professionals, it’s essential to prepare ourselves and our teams for the unexpected. Inspired by insights from Harvard Business Review’s article  'Managing Your Energy, Not Your Time,' I’ve discovered five ways to ensure you and your team are ready to face any challenge. 

1. Preparation – Plan Ahead: Consider potential challenges your team might face and develop contingency plans. Being proactive ensures you’re not caught off guard when the unexpected happens. 
2. Adaptation – Embrace Flexibility: Change is inevitable. Encourage your team to be adaptable and open-minded, allowing them to pivot quickly when circumstances shift. 
3. Communication & Support – Keep Channels Open: Open and honest communication is crucial, especially during times of change. Ensure that your team knows they have support and that your processes and systems provide stability. 
4. Prioritise Energy Management – Manage Energy, Not Just Time: Focusing on energy management rather than time can lead to better outcomes. Encourage your team to align their tasks with their energy levels for maximum productivity. (Refer to the Harvard Business Review article for more insights.) 
5. Value-Based Decision Making – Stay True to Your Core Values: In uncertain situations, make decisions that align with your core values. The snow globe analogy is a powerful reminder that after the storm, things may settle differently, but they often settle where they need to be. 
6. Cultivate Resilience – Build Strength from Experience: Encourage your team to learn and grow from every challenge. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about coming back stronger and more prepared for the next hurdle. 

Internal Auditor Management Systems

AU$895.00

The Internal Auditor Management Systems course provides training for conducting successful internal audits across any industry globally as per ISO 19011:2018. This online, self-paced course covers the fundamentals of management systems auditing, including audit procedures and documentation. It aims to equip participants with the skills to assess an organization’s management system against criteria, write audit reports, and document nonconformities, enhancing their capability as internal auditors.

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Your Next Steps 

1. Assess Your Current Resilience - Conduct a resilience audit within your team to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Use this as a foundation to build stronger, more adaptable processes. 
2. Enrol in Our Free Course - Take advantage of our Helping Yourself and Others Through Change course to enhance your team's ability to navigate and thrive in times of uncertainty. 
3. Schedule a Strategy Session - Book a session with one of our ISO Career Experts to discuss how you can implement value-based decision-making and energy management strategies in your business. 
   
   

  • 65 min

Expect the Unexpected: Building Resilience in Your Team

Lead the Standard with ATOL

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