Samantha Stimpson is an award-winning consultant, has completed a Clore fellowship, which is a leadership development programme, and is the managing director of SLS 360, a consultancy firm specialising in equity, diversity and inclusion. Her work with individuals and organisations aims to address injustice, discrimination and drive positive change.
She spoke at CHS Leeds recently to a room full of industry relevant individuals about how to bring about resilience in work, specifically when organising an event, and how to deal with tough situations when things don’t quite go according to plan.
She laid out tips for event organisers on how they can manage stressful situations as well.
She also set out five general pillars of resilience:
- Clarity of Purpose
Stimpson emphasised about the importance of knowing how your personal values align with your work. This clarity helps guide you through ups and downs, allowing you to focus on the broader impact you want to have.
As she put it: “How do your values align with your work?”
She encouraged the audience to further ask some questions of themselves, and touched upon topics such as recognising what you feel passionate about, recognising professional goals, the impact that one wants to create and more.
2. Know Thyself
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is critical. Understanding when you are at your best allows you to play to your strengths. Stimpson believes in communicating with others when you need help, stating, “If I can’t deal with something, I should be able to communicate about it”. She encouraged the audience to focus on their strengths and weaknesses, what challenges them and what their reactive patters were.
3. Support Network:
Building a strong network is crucial. Stimpson notes that many people are afraid to admit they are struggling, but meaningful relationships in the workplace can make a significant difference. As the saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” A supportive work culture helps foster resilience.
4. Manage Emotions
Techniques like meditation, accepting the reality of the situation, and leaning into your strengths are essential. Sam advises leaning in and asking for help when needed. The quicker you manage your expectations and emotions, the more effectively you can navigate difficult situations. She also mentions the importance of showing compassion, especially when dealing with blame or criticism.
5. Growth Mindset
Embracing a growth mindset means seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Sam points out that if everything went perfectly, you wouldn’t grow. This mindset shift is where the magic happens, and it helps you achieve your event goals even in challenging times.
