Is 'Resilience' just a buzzword that's lost its real meaning in our workplaces?

I’ve heard the word 'resilience' countless times in my career – as a newbie, manager, leader, and executive. It’s been a constant in discussions, advice, and training. But it really made me pause after a particularly gruelling phase in my career when, despite being stretched thin, I was told I needed more resilience. That didn’t sit right with me. Wasn’t I already being resilient?

This all came into sharper focus during an honest talk with a friend (who also happens to be a mentor) from a different industry. She pointed out something striking: While businesses often talk up resilience with the best intentions, they sometimes end up misrepresenting it. She’s big on something called 'Adaptive Capabilities,' and the more I thought about it, the more it resonated with me. This idea aligns with a McKinsey study which noted, "In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, adaptability – not just resilience – is crucial for navigating complexities" (McKinsey & Company, "Navigating the Future of Work," 2021).

Maybe resilience, as we’ve been using it, isn’t the complete answer.

See, traditional resilience is about enduring hardships and making a comeback. But there’s a risk in that – sometimes, it can mean putting up with bad situations, mistaking endurance for strength. We end up glorifying the ability to 'just deal with it,' instead of addressing deeper issues. There’s more to facing challenges than just soldiering on. According to the American Management Association, "While resilience is about bouncing back from challenges, adaptability involves proactive adjustment and transformation in response to those challenges" (American Management Association, "Adaptable Leadership for Changing Times," 2021).

Enter Adaptive Capabilities. This isn’t about just weathering the storm. It’s about being agile, responding effectively, and making positive changes. It’s about prioritising well-being and making decisions that genuinely move us forward, not just keeping us afloat.

Reflecting on my own experiences over the past two years, I’ve faced moments that tested my resilience and pushed me to think about adaptability. It was more than just getting through challenges – it was about finding new paths and reshaping my approach to work and decision-making.

And let’s talk about emotions and support. Feeling down or stressed when faced with setbacks is normal. It’s part of adjusting to change. Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. Building a work culture where it’s okay to ask for support is crucial. It’s all about creating an environment that values adaptability and well-being.

Leadership plays a huge role here. Good leaders can tell the difference between a tough situation that’ll help you grow and one that’s just harmful. They understand the importance of adaptability in creating a healthy, productive work environment.

In the wider business landscape, adaptability is what sets successful companies apart. Take Amazon, Netflix, and Airbnb, for example. They’ve mastered the art of adapting to market changes, keeping them at the forefront of their industries.

So, what about resilience? We need to clear up some misconceptions. Resilience isn’t just enduring whatever life throws at you. It’s about finding the right balance, supporting each other, and being ready to make changes when they’re needed.

Looking forward, I’m committing to adaptability. It’s about staying open-minded, embracing new ideas, and being ready to switch gears. Flexibility, innovation, and a willingness to evolve are key in today’s ever-changing world.

That conversation with my good friend was a game-changer. It’s time for all of us to rethink how we approach our professional lives. It’s not just about clinging to resilience; it’s about actively embracing Adaptive Capabilities. This is how we stay ahead, setting new standards for success in our personal and business lives.