Building a better business world
Are You TOO Resilient? Within our monthly WeQual Global Peer Coaching Sessions, the focus is to build strong external peer-level networks whilst tackling common challenges. September’s sessions addressed the topic of ‘Are we TOO resilient?’ Recognising how being too resilient inadvertently harms well-being, members candidly shared their experiences: •
Failing to establish boundaries, resulting in becoming akin to a ‘doormat’.
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Perpetuating a cycle of overextension as others take your resilience for granted.
“Stay intentional, keep in contact with your body through meditation. It’s critical to make sure the mind and body are connected.”
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Concealing struggles behind a facade of strength (or a smile!)
– Stephanie Guyader, Former Senior Director, Customer Management & Value Management, Carlsberg Group
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Accepting an unsatisfactory status quo.
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Not recognising when to seek help or leverage the strength of one’s team.
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Bearing excessive home responsibilities due to a lack of delegation or thinking “I can do it all.”
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Experiencing recurrent illnesses due to running on empty and not sleeping well.
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Reflect and seek help: Dedicate time for selfreflection and be open to seeking support when needed. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. For proof – think about a team member or friend asking you for help – would you think them weak? Examples of help include creating a housework rota for your family or seeking mentorship and coaching.
These real-life examples demonstrate the importance of balancing resilience with self-care. The following points were outcomes from the various coaching breakouts:
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Balance energy: Be mindful of where you invest your energy. Avoid expending excessive effort on challenges that no longer serve your well-being. Redirect your focus to areas that truly matter.
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Set boundaries: Learn to say ‘no’ when additional commitments threaten to overwhelm you. Establishing clear boundaries is essential for regaining control and reducing stress.
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Take regular breaks: Prioritise mental and physical health through regular breaks. These moments of respite significantly contribute to overall well-being and resilience.
Exercise: Incorporate exercise into your routine to reduce stress, boost resilience, enhance physical health, and increase mental well-being. Even walking is proven as a stress buster and aids recovery and creativity.
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Prioritise self-care: Set an example for your team by putting your well-being first.
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Pursue your passions: Remember it’s not all about work! Engaging in hobbies or activities you love provides a welcome escape from workrelated stressors, promotes relaxation, and provides balance.
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Express your feelings: Don’t hesitate to voice your emotions and concerns, whether with colleagues, friends, or family. Opening up and showing vulnerability can have a positive impact on both you and your team.
Driving gender equality at the top of the world’s largest companies
global@wequal.com
wequal.com © WeQual 2023
Building a better business world
THE ELASTIC BAND ANALOGY
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Resilience is like a rubber band. We stretch and contract as life’s pressures ebb and flow. If not careful, being overstretched for too long can result in not being able to ‘bounce back’. Further, if stretched too far, we can snap. The healing process can take considerable time and often requires enforced time-out. Find out more here
The following book was recommended to highlight how each of us has a choice as to how to react, despite the challenges faced: Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl.
WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO: ARE YOUR CANARIES SINGING? Finally, building resilience requires small, incremental adjustments to your daily routine. Over time, they have a significant cumulative impact. Where will you start? Find out more here
HOW CAN WE HELP? If you find it challenging to maintain a healthy worklife balance, consider seeking additional support through executive coaching. Email WeQual at global@wequal.com and we will be in touch.
ARE YOU TOO RESILIENT? Leave your comments and reflections on the WeQual Global Hub
Driving gender equality at the top of the world’s largest companies
global@wequal.com
wequal.com © WeQual 2023