How to be a resilient, adaptable leader

[Celerity]

In times of change and pressure, a set of skills known as ‘psychological flexibility’ can help you and your team to thrive

https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-be-a-better-leader-by-developing-psychological-flexibility


South Africa’s Siya Kolisi and Handre Pollard after winning the Rugby World Cup Final in 2019. Photo by Edgar Su/Reuters





Against the backdrop of political change, the rise in remote working, widespread budget cuts and the growing prevalence of mental health difficulties, being a leader has arguably become more challenging than ever. Many of the leaders I work with have told me about their struggles to manage constant change and uncertainty, while supporting both their own wellbeing and that of their teams. If you’re a manager, you might be juggling a mix of office-based and remote staff, resolving conflicts among diverse teams, or addressing the growing mental health challenges of your colleagues and employees. Or perhaps you’re leading a youth sports team, and you’ve noticed the intense expectations of parents or the effect of harsh social media judgments on your players’ confidence. Even if you’re leading in a seemingly lower stakes context, such as running an online book club, you’ve probably found it can bring its own scrutiny and challenges.

Successfully leading under pressure and change requires more than technical expertise – it demands the ability to cope with personal struggles, manage change and maintain wellbeing. Whereas traditional leadership training often focuses on strategy, project management or performance metrics, in this Guide I’m going to help you hone the psychological skills that can help you better navigate uncertainty and drive long-term success. By developing what’s known as ‘psychological flexibility’, you can earn greater respect, increase satisfaction among your team, manage your distressing emotions more effectively, and stay focused on what truly matters to you. With a clear understanding of your core values, you’ll be able to take purposeful action toward your goals and respond thoughtfully – rather than react impulsively – under pressure. Without this flexibility, you’re more likely to experience stress and burnout, struggle with team dynamics, and face breakdowns in communication and engagement.

What is psychological flexibility?

Stated formally, psychological flexibility is the ability to adapt to shifting circumstances, use your mental and emotional resources accordingly, and keep the bigger picture in mind while staying aligned with your values. Imagine you’re driving to the beach with friends. Along the way, you hit traffic, roadblocks and unexpected detours. Your friends chime in with alternate routes or distractions, and frustration creeps in. But, instead of getting stuck or giving up, you adjust, reassess, and keep moving toward your destination. Psychological flexibility works the same way. As a leader, you’ll face external challenges and internal doubts, but staying adaptable – acknowledging obstacles without losing sight of your goals – allows you to navigate uncertainty with confidence and composure.

For a great example of what psychologically flexible leadership looks like in practice, consider Siya Kolisi, the captain of South Africa’s national rugby team. In a widely shared press conference, a reporter criticised one of his teammates for making a costly mistake. Many leaders might have responded defensively or shifted blame. But Kolisi took a different approach. He remained composed, refocusing the conversation on the inevitability of mistakes, the importance of learning, acting as a team, and the next play. This is just one example. Again and again, Kolisi has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to focus on his team’s success, build trust, and guide his team through challenges with agility. His leadership is defined not by rigid control, but by his ability to adjust and adapt – it’s a masterclass in psychological flexibility.

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