Professional resilience is the ability to recover from professional challenges.
It’s no secret that the past few years have brought a lot of stressors. And now, with layoffs, industry changes, and an upcoming presidential election, there’s never been a better time to hone professional resilience. The American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process and result of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially by maintaining mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adaptation to external and internal demands.” The best thing about resilience is that you don’t have to be born with it. It’s a skill that can be developed over time.
Career resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges in your career, whether it’s unemployment, performance issues, bullying, or other types of setbacks. It gives you the strength to adapt to difficulties and keep going despite adversity. Given the ever-changing career landscape, developing this skill is essential to position yourself for future opportunities.
Instead of waiting, take control of your career path. These strategies will help you build professional resilience so you can not only cope, but thrive in the workplace.
Never stop learning
According to Boston Consulting Group, 37% of the top 20 skills required for the average American job have changed in the last eight years. Additionally, employers are struggling to find qualified candidates. With job requirements changing at a rapid pace, lifelong learning is a key element of career resilience. Some examples include staying up to date with industry trends, taking online courses, and attending industry conferences. Since the only constant in the professional world is change, you’ll be better prepared to navigate a dynamic job market.
Harness the power of AI
Many fear that AI will replace jobs. However, a more accurate statement is that AI will transform jobs. So don’t be intimidated, embrace it. For most people, AI is a tool that can help you adapt to an evolving job market. Through AI-powered platforms, you can access personalized learning experiences and recommendations for your career path. By using AI for research, you can stay ahead of trends and anticipate changes in your industry. As the market changes, AI skills can also help you transition more smoothly into new roles and industries. By staying up to date with advances in AI, you ensure your skills remain current and relevant, building your professional resilience.
Look for mentors from different generations
Another way to foster career resilience is to build supportive mentoring relationships across generations. For the first time in history, companies are employing a workforce that spans multiple generations. With five generations working side by side, there’s never been a better time to benefit from different communication styles, skills, and perspectives. Mentoring can be done traditionally or in the form of reverse mentoring. In reverse mentoring, older generations benefit from the unique perspectives of younger professionals. By building and maintaining a relationship with someone you trust, you’ll be better prepared for any career challenges that come your way.
Constructive feedback is welcome
A cornerstone of professional resilience is accepting and using constructive criticism. While many shy away from difficult conversations, feedback allows us to grow and improve. The key is to learn to seek and accept feedback. Instead of viewing constructive criticism as a setback, take proactive steps to address any weaknesses. Admitting your weaknesses also builds your self-confidence, which leads to personal and professional growth.
Build your personal brand
Building a strong personal brand can increase your professional resilience by setting you apart from your peers in a changing job market. Personal branding helps you navigate transitions and setbacks by helping you stay relevant and visible. It’s a strategic investment because while it protects your career, brand building takes time. Some other benefits of personal branding include establishing yourself as a thought leader, identifying new opportunities, and facilitating a smooth career transition. And finally, consistency in your brand builds trust and keeps you moving forward during difficult times.
Today’s job market is dynamic and competitive, which is why a growth mindset – the ability to view setbacks as learning opportunities – is critical to developing career resilience. You’re bound to encounter challenges throughout your career. By building your resilience, you’ll be ready to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
