Can you tell who is thriving and who is barely surviving?

Leading meetings, delivering on actions, hitting targets…On paper everything looks like your colleague is smashing it. But looks can be deceiving.  What is it actually taking that person to deliver?

We often hear individuals from minority groups say they need to work harder,  work longer and often in conflict with their family or cultural systems in order to get ahead or even to ‘get even’ in the workplace. We say they ‘need to be resilient’ but is this approach to striving to achieve healthy or dysfunctional?

Dysfunctional Resilience

“I am always wearing a mask – faking it to fit in”

“I have to do all that I can, work as long as I can  to show that I am good enough”

“ I have learnt to cope regardless of how I am feeling – and I am feeling…

• Fatigued

• Stressed Out

• Disconnected from myself

This person is in meltdown… and it is just a matter of how long before they do?

Healthy Resilience

“ I am seen and heard and know that my opinions count. I feel acknowledged for what I do and supported when I need it. ”

“ I feel…

• Safe

• Connected

• Able to cope with adversity

• Like I belong

This person is comfortable within their abilities because they feel supported by the systems within which they belong

Creating spaces where people can show up and be themselves is key to enabling those stuck in a loop of dysfunctional resilience to find a path out. Coaching is the catalyst to creating that space.

If you are curious about becoming a coach or recognise this as a great opportunity for someone in your organisation we are offering taster sessions over the coming weeks. A real opportunity to find out what coaching through a lens of inclusion, belonging and equity is all about.