Crises are no longer the exception – they have become the new reality. Pandemics, geopolitical tensions, digital transformation, skills shortages: managers are under constant pressure. Amidst this constant stress, it takes more than plans, PowerPoint slides and KPI reports. It takes people who show attitude. It takes resilient leadership.

Let’s take a look at what resilience means – individually and within an organisation.

What resilient leadership really means

Resilience is often misunderstood. It’s not about putting up with everything or always keeping up appearances. True resilience means staying flexible, dealing with setbacks, learning, moving on – and staying true to yourself in the process.

Resilient leadership brings clarity to chaos, provides support where there is uncertainty, and also pays attention to one’s own energy. After all, those who only function on a permanent basis run the risk of becoming internally exhausted – with repercussions for the entire team. Mindfulness and empathy are not weaknesses, but skills that are essential for survival.

7 tips for managers on resilient leadership

Here are seven practical tips on how managers can strengthen their own resilience and thereby lead more effectively – in a practical and human way:

1. Know yourself well: self-reflection instead of self-optimisation

Resilient leadership begins with yourself. If you know your values, strengths, stress patterns and limits, you can act more confidently – even in difficult situations.

🔍 Tip: Keep a regular reflection journal or use short daily check-ins: What strengthened me today? What weakened me?

2. Learn to deal with pressure: regulate stress – don’t ignore it

Constant pressure is poison for the body and mind – and affects the whole team. Resilient managers know their stress signals and develop strategies to regulate them.

🔍 Tip: Incorporate small rituals: conscious breaks, exercise, breathing exercises – and accept that relaxation is not a weakness, but a prerequisite for performance.

3. Build trust – even in uncertain times

Crises create fear. Trust is the best antidote. Resilient leadership means communicating transparently, being present – and sometimes saying: ‘I don’t know right now, but we’ll get through this together.’

🔍 Tip: Share not only plans, but also thoughts and feelings. Humanity creates closeness and motivation.

4. Provide clarity without imposing control

Uncertainty paralyses – clear guidance provides security. Resilient leadership means providing direction without becoming rigid. Goals are important – but so is flexibility in achieving them.

🔍 Tip: Work with guidelines instead of micromanagement. What is the ‘why’ behind a decision?

5. Lead mindfully – including towards yourself

Many managers take care of everything and everyone – except themselves. But those who only ‘function’ will eventually lose touch with their inner selves.

🔍 Tip: Make self-care a fixed part of your schedule – like a business appointment. Even a walk, a conversation or 10 minutes of quiet can work wonders.

6. Learn from setbacks: don’t fear mistakes, use them

Resilient managers see mistakes as learning opportunities. They promote a culture where it’s okay to experiment – and you don’t have to be perfect.

🔍 Tip: Talk actively about mistakes – including your own. This relieves pressure and strengthens trust within the team.

7. Create meaning – more than just achieving goals

Especially in difficult times, many people ask themselves: Why am I doing this? Resilient leadership means conveying a deeper meaning – and creating a sense of connection.

🔍 Tip: Communicate not only the what, but above all the why – and involve your team in decisions.

The new strength is leading with attitude

Crises expose weaknesses – but they also reveal who can truly lead. Those who take responsibility, communicate transparently, place trust in others and remain human in turbulent times become true leaders. Resilience is not just a ‘nice to have’ – it is a key factor for success.

At LEADING MINDS, you will find personalities who not only teach resilience, but also live it – in business, sport, leadership and change:

• Johanna Bath – Leadership expert: Future-proof leadership with emotional intelligence and inner strength

• Caroline von Kretschmann – Hotelier & values ambassador: Humanity as a leadership principle

• Constanze Buchheim – Transformation professional & leadership thought leader: How resilience shapes modern corporate cultures

• Barbara Hagedorn – Entrepreneur with heart: Resilience in medium-sized businesses, down-to-earth and powerful

• Jens Heitland – Innovation expert: Human leadership in disruptive times

• Daniel Hunold – Mental Strength Coach: Resilience as an Inner Attitude – Not a Technique

• Steffi Jones – European and World Champion: Motivation, Courage and Cohesion – Even When the Going Gets Tough

• Rui Pedro Silva – CIO & Visionary: Making Organisations Crisis-Proof Without Losing People

Today, we need leadership that is not only intelligent, but also humane. Leadership that listens, perseveres, inspires and connects. Resilient leadership determines how we navigate crises – and whether we emerge from them stronger as a team.

Would you like a no-obligation consultation on which expert can support you and your team with a lecture or workshop on leadership in times of crisis? Give us a call: +49 (0)30 640 777 42 or write to us: contact@leading-minds.com