Research in psychology is so clear that if we can fill people's basic needs, meaning making them feel like they have a sense of autonomy, that they have a voice and a choice. If you fulfil those three things, people are automatically more resilient. They're automatically better able to handle, you know, tip tough situations. So take the time to be very thoughtful on the messages you're sending to those hat you're leading. We did not have time to dive as deeply into the other two pillars, which are, respond instead of react, and transcend discomfort. But is there any aspect of either one or both you'd like to talk about?
How we think about toughness needs a reset. Too often, it’s been associated with brute forcing our way through things. Ignoring our feelings. Making an outward show of confidence and dominance.
The problem is it just doesn't work.
Performance coach and bestselling author, Steve Magness, offers another way. He’s done a deep dive on the latest research on toughness and performance. In his book, Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and The Surprising Science of Real Toughness, he discusses the misconceptions of our current model. Then he offers a new one informed by the latest in neuroscience and psychology research. Along the way, he translates research findings into practical steps we can take to make the shift.
If you’re a performance junkie, you’ll gain a lot from this interview. You can also apply his ideas to managing your teams. If you enjoy Steve’s approach, check out my previous interview with him on finding your passion at work and in life, episode 142.
Episode Links
How to be More Resilient, According to an Elite Performance Coach
The Secret to Developing Resilient Teams and Organizations
Changing This 1 Word in Your Thoughts Can Boost Mental Toughness and Resilience, Psychologists Say
Steven Callahan
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton
The Team
Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.
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