A resilient organisation is characterised by several features and behaviours that aim to adapt to and successfully deal with the challenges and changes in its environment. Here are some indications that an organisation is resilient:
1. Agility and adaptability Resilient organisations are able to adapt quickly to new conditions. They are flexible and can adapt their strategies, processes and resources to changing circumstances - while maintaining their values.
2. A strong leadership team Competent and committed leadership is crucial for the resilience of an organisation. Leaders at all levels should be able to communicate clearly and motivate staff in times of uncertainty and transformation.
3. Risk management
Resilient organisations have clear and well-designed risk management processes. They identify risks early, assess them and take appropriate measures to minimise damage.
4. Continuity planning Resilient organisations have contingency and continuity plans to ensure that they can operate in unforeseen situations.
5. Open communication
Resilient organisations promote an open and transparent communication culture. Employees feel encouraged to raise concerns, share information and work out solutions together.
6. Diversity and inclusion Employee diversity and promoting inclusion are important aspects of resilience. Different perspectives and skills can contribute to finding more sustainable solutions.
7. Willingness to learn Resilient organisations see challenges and crises as opportunities to learn and improve. They analyse what worked and what didn't after a crisis or problem is over and adjust their strategies accordingly.
8. Innovation capacity Resilient organisations promote innovation proactively and continuously look for new ways to improve their products, services and processes.
9. Managing resources Efficient and sustainable use of resources is another characteristic. Resilient organisations are able to use their resources wisely and ensure that they have sufficient financial resources and competent staff in critical times.
10. Social responsibility
Resilient organisations demonstrate social responsibility by engaging with their employees, customers and community. In doing so, they gain trust and the support of their stakeholders.
Resilience does not simply happen by itself. An organisation's capacity for resilience is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and care at the strategic and operational levels. We experienced how important this can be during the global Covid pandemic. The capacity for resilience can be developed and strengthened with a focus on the elements mentioned above.
Ask yourself how resilient your own organisation is. Where does it have particular strengths and where is there a need for action?
Resilience at the organisational level plays an important role in many tasks and I encounter it in very different forms when working on projects. The following publications on this topic were very helpful for me:
Fernando F. Suarez, Juan S. Montes: Building Organizational Resilience.To cope and thrive in uncertain times, develop scripted routines, simple rules, and the ability to improvise. Harvard Business Review, Issue Nov-Dec 2020 https://hbr.org/2020/11/building-organizational-resilience
Jochen Schellinger, Kim Oliver Tokarski, Ingrid Kissling-Näf:
Resilienz durch Organisationsentwicklung. Springer Fachmedien, Wiesbaden 2022
Erich R. Unkrig: Resilienz im Unternehmen - den Faktor Mensch fördern. Handlungsempfehlungen und praktische Umsetzung. Springer Fachmedien, Wiesbaden 2021