How to Build a Team That Thrives in Uncertain Times

Resilience in Uncertain Times

Strong leadership builds teams that thrive amidst uncertainty and change.

Why Resilience Matters in Uncertain Times  

Economic shifts, organisational changes, or global crises can disrupt team morale and focus. Resilient teams—those that adapt, collaborate, and maintain performance—require trust, clear communication, and strengths-based leadership. A Gallup study shows teams with high engagement are 23% more resilient during disruptions. At Strengthify, our team development workshops foster adaptability. For example, a leader in a University Finance Team navigated budget cuts by leveraging strengths, sustaining morale. Our insights on team resilience highlight how this prevents burnout, unlike rigid teams that struggle. Agility is key, enabling teams to pivot quickly without losing momentum.

Strategies to Build a Resilient Team

Here are four actionable strategies to help your team thrive in uncertainty.

1. Foster Psychological Safety for Open Dialogue  

Psychological safety allows team members to share ideas and concerns without fear, fostering trust and innovation. Here’s how:  

• Set ground rules: Encourage open dialogue with no judgement or interruptions.
• Model vulnerability: Share, “I’m unsure about this change—let’s brainstorm together.”  
• Ask inclusive questions: Try, “What’s your perspective on this shift?”  

A manager at an NHS Trust created safety during a restructuring, boosting collaboration by 25%. Our insights on psychological safety emphasise its role in resilience. Try this: Start your next meeting with a no-judgement rule.

2. Promote Agility Through Strengths-Based Roles  

Agile teams adapt quickly by leveraging individual strengths. Here’s how:  

• Identify strengths: Use CliftonStrengths assessments to spot talents like Adaptability or Strategic Thinking.  
• Flex roles: Assign tasks based on strengths, such as problem-solving for crises.
• Encourage cross-functional skills: Diversify skills to ensure flexibility.  

A leader at a College used strengths during a curriculum change, enhancing agility and team output. A Forbes study notes agile teams improve performance by 30%. Try this: Assign a task based on a team member’s strength this week.

3. Clarify Purpose and Communicate Transparently  

Uncertainty clouds focus, but clear purpose and communication anchor teams. Here’s how:  

• Communicate the ‘why’: Explain, “This change supports our long-term vision.”
• Set short-term goals: Break tasks into manageable steps for clarity.  
• Provide consistent updates: Use tools like Slack for real-time updates.  

A leader at a Charity clarified goals during a campaign pivot, hitting targets and boosting morale. A Harvard Business Review article shows clear goals increase resilience by 20%. Our insights on team communication support this approach. Try this: Share one clear goal in your next team huddle.

4. Provide Ongoing Support and Strengths-Based Development  

Regular support and development keep teams resilient. Here’s how:  

• Hold regular check-ins: Schedule 10-minute one-on-ones to gauge morale and needs.  
• Offer tailored resources: Provide coaching or Strengthify’s department sessions to reinforce strengths.  
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge efforts, like, “Your flexibility saved us!”  

A Higher Education team experienced a 25% increase in engagement following strengths-based sessions. Strengthify’s framework integrates strengths into the culture, helping to reduce stress. Consider this: Schedule a team check-in this week to discuss support needs.

Overcoming Challenges to Building Resilience  

Implementing these strategies can face hurdles. Here’s how to address them:  

• Fear of failure: Normalise mistakes with, “We’ll learn from this,” fostering a growth mindset.  
• Lack of clarity: Use short, clear updates to reduce confusion, per our insights on change.  
• Resistance to change: Highlight strengths’ benefits, like “Your adaptability will ease this transition,” using CliftonStrengths.  

Our insights on psychological safety offer additional strategies for a supportive environment.

Measuring the Impact of Resilience Strategies  

Track these key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge success:  

• Engagement scores: Survey improvements in morale via tools like Google Forms.  
• Task completion rates: Measure efficiency in projects.  
• Retention rates: Monitor reduced turnover as a sign of trust.  

A Healthcare team reported 30% higher job satisfaction after adopting strengths-based resilience strategies. A Forbes study confirms resilient teams boost performance by 30%. Try this: Track engagement scores for a month after implementing a strategy.

FAQs: Building Resilient Teams  

What makes a team resilient in uncertain times?

Trust, clear communication, and strengths, as seen in Strengthify’s success stories.

How do I build team resilience?

Foster safety, promote agility, clarify purpose, and provide support through Strengthify’s workshops.  

How do strengths help teams in uncertainty?

They enhance adaptability and morale, per CliftonStrengths assessments.

 What if my team resists change?  

Use strengths and psychological safety, as outlined in our insights on change.  

How can I sustain team resilience?  

Regular check-ins and strengths-based sessions, like Strengthify’s department sessions, maintain momentum.  

Build a Thriving Team Today

Help your team thrive in uncertainty by trying one strategy, like fostering psychological safety or clarifying a goal. For deeper impact, explore Strengthify’s Discovery Workshops or team development sessions. Start today—your team can conquer any challenge!