Do you set goals for yourself or your team at the start of the year? Setting goals provides a sense of shared purpose and direction - but what happens when those goals start to feel out of reach?
The way we respond when progress gets tough is a true test of our resilience and flexibility. Now is the perfect moment to reflect on the next question in our team effectiveness model:
“Do we push through obstacles and setbacks?”
Resilience is often seen as the ability to push through challenges, but it’s not about rushing at everything or simply reacting under pressure. Gyre’s data shows that teams consistently rate themselves highest on “We push through obstacles and setbacks” compared to the other areas in our team effectiveness review.
For many teams, challenge and adversity aren’t just obstacles - they are what drive their sense of performance and cohesion. Setbacks often bring out a team’s resilience and ability to come together. However, as one client insightfully put it, “We’re good at putting out fires, not putting in fire extinguishers.”
While resilience is key, it’s not about pushing through everything without strategy. In fact, doing so can lead to burnout and even failure. True resilience comes from knowing what really matters and having the clarity to focus on those priorities, even when obstacles arise.
🔍 Key insights:
Teams often thrive under pressure, but without careful strategy, it can become a cycle of short-term reactions without long-term solutions.
Resilience isn’t about pushing through at all costs, but about knowing when to push and when to pause.
Shared understanding is critical - knowing what to prioritise makes a team more resilient in the face of adversity.
"It’s not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." - Charles Darwin
🔑 Practical actions:
1️⃣ Start the year by reflecting on what really matters - which goals require resilience, and which ones can be reassessed?
2️⃣ Build strategic resilience by focusing on sustainable solutions, not just immediate fixes - especially during quieter periods.
3️⃣ Rally your team around a shared purpose when setbacks hit - purpose keeps everyone focused on what truly matters.
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back - it’s about adapting, staying focused, and making meaningful progress.
How will your team balance resilience with strategy in 2025?
👋 Follow @Gyre for more insights into building resilient, effective teams.
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