Whether you’re a seasoned leader who’s been through it all or a young professional just starting your journey, today’s topic is really close to my heart – resilience. And I want to share a different perspective on what that actually means.
Growing up in Taiwan, I learned that resilience isn’t about being tough or rigid. You know that advice we’ve all heard – “just suck it up” or “be strong”? That never sat right with me. In Asian culture, there’s this beautiful understanding that true strength comes from flexibility, like bamboo swaying in the wind.
There’s an old Japanese proverb that says, “The bamboo that flows with the wind is stronger than the oak that resists.” Think about that for a moment. When life throws challenges at you – and trust me, it will – you have a choice. You can stand rigid like an oak and risk breaking, or you can learn to flow and adapt like bamboo.
So how do you tap into that inner bamboo spirit? Here are four traits I’ve discovered in my work with leaders and professionals at every level
- Resilience is a skill that can be learned. Just like practicing your golf swing or working on a presentation, you can train your resilience muscle. The more you practice bouncing back from setbacks, the better you get at it. It’s not something you’re just born with.
- Asking for help actually shows courage. I see this all the time – especially with high achievers who think they need to handle everything solo. But the most resilient people? They know when to reach out for support. They understand that vulnerability is strength, not weak
- They’re masters at shifting perspective. Let me ask you something – are you caught up in a work conflict right now that’s consuming your energy? Here’s what resilient people do: they step back and ask, “Will this matter in five years?” That shift in perspective is like magic. It frees up your mental energy for what actually matters.
- They find a way forward instead of fighting the current. They don’t waste energy resisting what’s happening. Instead, they work with their circumstances, just like that bamboo working with the wind.
Now, here’s what I want you to do. Take a moment right now and think about a challenge you’re facing. Which of these four traits could you apply? Maybe you need to ask for help, or perhaps you need to zoom out and get some perspective.
Pick one trait and commit to practicing it this week. Because here’s the thing – whether you’re leading a team of hundreds or you’re fresh out of college, figuring things out, resilience is your secret weapon.
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Maya Hu-Chan is a globally recognized speaker, author, leadership consultant, and ICF Master Certified Coach. She specializes in global leadership, cross-cultural management, and diversity and inclusion. Maya also offers keynotes and leadership workshops. Contact her here: https://mayahuchan.com/contact/