Building Resilience: How Leaders Can Thrive Through Pressure, Not Just Survive It

 

To ‘soldier on’ means to keep going, even when things are tough.

We often admire people for it. You’ll hear things like: “I really respected the way she soldiered on when her department hit a rough patch.”

But let’s pause and talk about the R word—resilience.

Building resilience and soldiering on are often used in the same breath. But they’re not the same thing.

And both are frequently misunderstood, especially in leadership circles. Misunderstanding them can lead to burnout, disconnection, and a dangerous culture of silence.

Too often, we confuse resilience with having a stiff upper lip. We assume it’s about pushing through without flinching, never showing emotion, or being naturally “tough.” But that mindset can be harmful. It encourages people to bottle things up, hide their struggles, and believe that showing vulnerability is weakness.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

As Alfred famously says to Bruce Wayne:

“Why do we fall, sir?
So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.”

That’s what building resilience is really about.

It’s the ability to take care of ourselves so that we can keep going despite the difficulty and emerge stronger, wiser, and ready for what comes next.

So, while resilience is important, it can also be problematic, as King and McSpedon highlighted in their brilliant HBR article.

 

Building Resilience in Leadership: Three Practical Strategies

Building resilience isn’t about being born tough. It’s a skill.

And like any skill, it can be developed with practice, intention, and support.

The most resilient leaders and organisations approach it across three phases: before, during, and after a challenge.

 

1. Before the Storm: Prepare for Pressure

Resilience begins before things get tough.

Think of it as building your internal scaffolding—those routines, habits, and behaviours that will support you when the pressure’s on.

Some ways to do this:

• Prioritise sleep, regular movement, and healthy boundaries around work

• Build strong relationships and support networks

• Practice stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, journaling, or breathing exercises

This is the foundation of building resilience. You’re investing in your future self’s capacity to respond, not react.

 

2. In the Moment: Stay Grounded

When you’re facing a challenge, resilience is about maintaining your foundation, not pretending everything is fine.

You’re not unfazed. You’re equipped.

Here’s what can help:

• Take micro-breaks to recharge

• Stick to the routines that support your wellbeing

• Focus on what you can control

• Communicate honestly with your team or peers

Even a five-minute pause can make a difference. It’s not weakness—it’s leadership.

 

3. After the Challenge: Reflect and Recover

Building resilience doesn’t end when the crisis passes. In fact, recovery is where some of the most valuable growth happens.

Once you’re through the storm:

• Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you coped

• Celebrate the fact that you came through it

• Adjust routines or systems to strengthen your future resilience

Rest isn’t a reward for making it through; it’s part of the process.

 

Final Thoughts: Keep Building, Not Just Battling

Whatever phase you’re in—before, during, or after—building resilience is possible. But it doesn’t happen by accident.

It takes intention.

Create a plan that supports sustainable performance, not just survival. Build the habits and structures that help you bend, not break. And remember, it’s okay to wobble.

You’re not a ‘human doing.’

You’re a human being.

 

Building Resilience Through Coaching?

If you’re wondering whether coaching could help you build your resilience and lead more sustainably, try my free Coaching Readiness Scorecard.

It’s a quick and simple way to explore whether coaching is the right development tool for you right now.

I’m here to help.

Your coach,

#LeadOn