Let’s face it. Sooner or later, you are more than likely going to encounter adversity of some kind in your business. It is almost inevitable. And all the research indicates that those leaders who have experienced and, importantly, successfully endured adversity, are the ones who are most likely to develop the resilience to succeed. In fact, studies have also revealed that top -flight leaders will admit, even privately, they learned the most when dealing with adverse business situations.
Adversity in a business or organization is often random. It crops up when you least expect it. And when it does strike, you get to find out what you are really “made of.” Leaders have often discovered skills and capabilities they did not know they had. And, invariably, the most important learning from successfully navigating adversity is that he/she discovers a new “sense of self.” And it will likely change the leader forever – in a good way!
The bottom line…….when considering an up-and-coming individual in your organization for serious leadership responsibilities, a ”trial by fire” is an absolute must!
Born exactly 80 years ago this month, Cleese seems to think he knows something about adversity. If you happen to read his autobiography (titled “So Anyways,” 2014), you might discover he is quite correct.
