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8 Things Done By Resilient Leaders

Many people outside the executive office might not be aware of this, but good leaders know that they have to be resilient. No matter how many plans are made, or how well-thought-out they are, things happen that can make a hash of preparation.

This might mean small adjustments or major changes to right the ship. This can be especially true in the world of philanthropy, with its complexity of expectations, the diversity of relationships and simple human action.

It’s easy to do well when things go well. It is just as important for leaders to respond well when things go badly. Leaders, and this is especially true for fundraising leaders, find a way. If things go wrong, they don’t make it personal when they respond.

Speaking during the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International Fundraising Conference, Nigel Harris, chief executive officer of the Mater Foundation in Australia, gave his look at what resilient leaders do. Resilient leaders:

* Regularly engage in deliberate personal re-energization.
* Create the most positive working environment possible.
* Demonstrate optimism about the future.
* Are quick to blunt the impact of setbacks.
* Build strong networks and alliances.
* Are open minded and think laterally.
* See patterns, and use insights for change.
* Watch their mouth.