The Three R’s for Uncertain Times: Resilience, Rational Thinking, Responsiveness

As we navigate these uncertain times, we are faced with situations, circumstances, emotions, and decisions that are completely new and without a clear path forward. The path unfolds on a daily, if not hourly basis. Who is better equipped to lead during these uncertain times than coach leaders? Coach leaders have the confidence and courage to face uncertainty. Coach leaders embody the Three R’s.

Resilience:

Resilience requires self-awareness and a clear understanding of one’s core values. With core values and a personal purpose or mission statement, even in difficult times, coach leaders are able to return to what matters most. They are deeply connected to their highest character, which leads them to cope, maintain connection with others, and continue making their unique contribution to their communities, both small and large. They are able to access and sustain positive emotion through the difficulties.

Rational Thinking:

Rational thinking is connected to resilience, in the knowing that emotions will be present and may even hijack our cognitive processing for a time. Rational thinking brings forward the strategies to calm the emotions so that our cognitive and rational mind can function at full capacity. When we are functioning rationally, we are more able to maintain flexibility, attention, and stability of focus.

Responsiveness:

Responsiveness is related to resilience and rational thinking, as it allows us to recover quickly from difficulties in a forward-moving direction rather than in a reactive knee-jerk often emotion-driven manner. Responsiveness comes from emotional and rational strength.

We are all evolving as we learn and grow through our current environment. Remembering the Three R’s for uncertain times has the potential to make our lessons learned valuable learning that becomes an integral part of our best selves.

About Frances Shuster, PCC, M. Ed.

Frances Shuster is a Partner with Results Coaching Global and coauthor of Results Coaching: The New Essential for School Leaders. She is a faculty instructor and coach for the Results Coaching Global Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP).

1 Comments

  1. Kimberly Richardson on April 24, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    This is such a timely bit of information to help leaders during this time.

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