As a Navy SEAL combat veteran, I’ve always been deeply intrigued by military history and the invaluable lessons we can glean from the remarkable displays of resilience in leadership and teamwork. In recent research, I stumbled upon the illustrious figure of Lt Gen Sir Adrian Paul Ghislain Carton de Wiart. Not only does his name command attention, but his story is truly legendary. If not practically unbelievable. Let’s take a quick peek into the past and see how we can apply it to the present.
Lt Gen Sir Adrian Paul Ghislain Carton de Wiart was a remarkable example of resilience and leadership during times of adversity. His life story is filled with extraordinary feats of courage, determination, and resilience that no doubt provided immense inspiration to those he led.
Born in Belgium in 1880, Carton de Wiart began his military career with the British Army, serving in various conflicts, including the Second Boer War and World War I. It was during World War I that he demonstrated exceptional resilience and leadership under the most extreme conditions.
In 1914, Carton de Wiart was captured by the Germans but managed to escape captivity not once, but twice. Despite losing his left eye and left hand during his escape attempts, he refused to let his injuries deter him from serving his country. He was wounded a total of eleven times during World War I, including injuries to the face, head, stomach, ankle, leg, hip, and ear. Despite these injuries, he refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his teams with courage and determination. He continued to fight on the front lines, earning numerous awards for bravery, including the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the British Empire.
During World War II, Carton de Wiart’s leadership and resilience were once again put to the test. As a senior officer, he served in various theaters of war, including North Africa, Italy, and Yugoslavia. In 1943, despite being seriously wounded by a shell blast that broke both his legs, he refused to be evacuated and continued to command his troops from his hospital bed. Carton de Wiart’s story is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Despite enduring unimaginable hardships and setbacks, he never wavered in his commitment to serving his country and leading his teams with courage and fortitude. His extraordinary leadership qualities and unwavering determination make him a true exemplar of resilience in leadership.
Simply put, he was ALL IN.
OK, so what can mere mortals like us learn from these extraordinary feats or courageous leadership?
It would be an effort in futility to compare ourselves to historical figures like Carton de Wiart or even to understand the mindset of those he led. So, instead, let’s define a modern-day high-performance team.
A high-performance team is a group of individuals who collaborate effectively to achieve exceptional results and exceed expectations. And we cannot build resilient teams without resilient leaders. We may not all have the opportunity to charge into battle on camelback against radically larger enemy forces or tunnel out of a competitor’s POW camp – though it might feel like it sometimes – but mindset certainly plays a role!
Ultimately, defining high-performance in an organization comes down to results. Teams with exceptional strategic acumen, mental fortitude, and unwavering dedication to organizational success epitomize resilience and adaptability in navigating complex business landscapes. Operating at the forefront of industries, these teams demonstrate unparalleled abilities to thrive under pressure, positioning them as indispensable assets in achieving strategic objectives. But how?
The Psychology Behind Success
Behavioral psychology and recent research on resilience in teams from McKinsey and Company focuses on understanding how teams effectively cope with challenges, setbacks, and adversity to maintain high performance and achieve their goals. Here are some key findings and insights from various research in this area:
Shared Mental Models: Research suggests that high-performing teams develop shared mental models that enable them to anticipate and adapt to changing circumstances. These mental models include a shared understanding of goals, roles, strategies, and potential challenges, which helps teams coordinate their efforts and respond effectively to adversity.
Positive Communication Patterns: Studies have shown that teams with positive communication patterns, characterized by open, honest, and supportive interactions, are better equipped to overcome adversity and maintain resilience. Effective communication fosters trust, cohesion, and a sense of collective efficacy within the team.
Adaptive Coping Strategies: Resilient teams employ adaptive coping strategies to manage stress, uncertainty, and setbacks. These strategies may include problem-solving, seeking social support, reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
Emotional Regulation: Research indicates that teams with strong emotional regulation skills are more resilient in the face of adversity. Team members who can effectively regulate their emotions, remain calm under pressure, and support one another during difficult times contribute to the team’s overall resilience.
Psychological Safety: Psychological safety, or the belief that one can speak up, take risks, and express oneself without fear of negative consequences, is crucial for team resilience. Studies have shown that teams with a high level of psychological safety are more likely to engage in constructive conflict, share feedback openly, and learn from failures, ultimately enhancing their ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Team Learning and Adaptation: Resilient teams prioritize learning and adaptation, continuously seeking feedback, reflecting on their experiences, and adjusting their strategies and behaviors accordingly. This process of ongoing learning and improvement enables teams to evolve and become more resilient over time.
Leadership and Supportive Environment: Effective leadership plays a critical role in fostering team resilience. Research suggests that leaders who provide support, guidance, and encouragement, while also promoting autonomy, empowerment, and accountability, contribute to a resilient team culture where members feel valued, motivated, and capable of overcoming adversity together.
Overall, behavioral psychology research on resilience in teams underscores the importance of factors such as shared mental models, positive communication patterns, adaptive coping strategies, emotional regulation, psychological safety, team learning, and supportive leadership in enhancing team resilience and performance in the face of challenges.
Reflect and share with your team. Where do you thrive? Where do you need to level up?