The power of resilience: Building teams that thrive through challenges

In every company's journey, there are pivotal moments that shape its future. For Connico, a leading national consultancy that services the aviation, civil, transportation, institutional, commercial and industrial markets, the sudden loss of our founder, Connie Gowder, in 2021 was one of those moments. When Connie passed away, our company was half the size it is today, and there was no time to prepare. Yet, without a formal plan in place, our team's resilience shone through, enabling us to continue moving forward and, eventually, grow.

Our ability to navigate through such a challenging period highlights the importance of resilience within organizations. According to a 2024 O.C. Tanner report, only 30% of employees believe their organization is nimbly resilient, indicating that many companies still struggle to build teams capable of adapting to sudden changes. 

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Connico's ability to navigate through such a challenging period was largely due to the foundation built by Connie and the team's collective strength. Her legacy of resilience and teamwork helped us continue to operate without hiring new staff during the transition. Our existing team was able to fill gaps, collaborate effectively, and sustain the business during an emotionally and operationally difficult time.

This experience taught us that resilience is not just about having a formal contingency plan — it's about fostering a strong culture, nurturing the right skills, and ensuring every team member is aligned with the company's core values. Today, as our team continues to expand, we actively prioritize these elements to ensure our growth is sustainable and resilient in the face of future challenges.

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How to build a team of resilience
To build a resilient team, administrative leaders are uniquely positioned to help foster a culture of adaptability and continuous support. 

1. Establish clear communication: This begins by establishing clear communication channels that encourage transparency and open dialogue across all levels of the organization. By creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns and feedback, administrative leaders can ensure that issues are addressed proactively and collaboratively, strengthening the team's ability to respond to challenges.

2. Prioritize flexibility in work practices: Implementing flexible scheduling, remote work options and adaptive workflows allows employees to manage their responsibilities effectively, even in times of disruption. By supporting diverse working styles and personal needs, the administrative team not only enhances individual resilience but also strengthens the collective resilience of the organization, enabling it to navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.
   

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3. Encourage continuous learning and development: Investing in ongoing training and professional development programs ensures that team members are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, administrative leaders can empower employees to adapt to new challenges and stay ahead of industry trends or changes. This approach enhances individual capabilities and protects the organization's overall resilience by creating an agile, informed workforce that is ready to tackle future uncertainties.

 While formal plans can help, true resilience is rooted in culture, communication, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous growth. With these strategies in place, businesses can ensure their teams are not only equipped to survive hardships but to grow and excel despite them.