Anti-fragility vs resilience

What skills are really needed to steer forward in a changing environment?

Acceptance of change

12 months ago (November 2019 - well before we knew anything about the Pandemic), I was commissioned to speak Nationally in March of 2020 at Strategy events on “Change & Transformation”.  As part of my Key Note address, I talked about how “Change” requires a shift in mindset to enable us to embraced change as a “norm” in every business. 

With this mindset, we do not need to redefine the way in which we operate when things don’t go according to plan. Pivoting is not a new term; it is not the latest way of thinking – this is a story you have been sold as something Different – the new BUZZ word. 

When change forms part of the way in which you operate, you work from a heightened position because you accept that things change and therefore anticipate that something will be different from that which you have planned – it does not mean that you know what the changes are, just that there is a possibility that change will need to happen.

For some of you who may be thinking “but Cathy, how do you plan for this?”   I ask you to let go of conforming thoughts. It is in accepting that change is inevitable that will allow you to think outside the box. To be prepared for “what else?”. This allows you to consider options that previously may not have been contemplated. Ideas are formed, there is creativeness that comes from being free of boundaries. 

Belief, mindset, and small measured steps: the right people surrounding you

First, I encourage you to go back to basics because you know why you are doing what you have started.  If, however, you have lost that focus, dedicate the much-deserved time to redefine it.  

You know that taking the small measured steps that you used to start your business, your dream, your vision is the fundamental key to success so take these steps to help you edge your way back on top. Belief and mindset whilst surrounding yourself with the right people will ensure the road back is the right one for you.

Resilience and anti-fragility

If you work in a corporate environment, you will no doubt have heard what I think is the most commonly used phrase to steer teams back to recovery – “build resilience!”

Resilience has become a buzz word, but what is it really? What do we need to be able to embrace all that we will face in 2021 and the years to come?

Whilst most companies and CEO’s are calling for resilience training and coaching, they would benefit from extending their mindset to a holistic approach, one that looks beyond developing people’s ability to recover from or adjust to change; which is what resilience training involves.  

Taking measured steps to invest in your people extends beyond resilience training and support. If we are to transform, change mindsets and cultures I would encourage you to consider a holistic approach. 

Nassim Taleb developed the concept of anti-fragility and in many ways has encapsulated a concept that enables us to reflect, draw on and move forward from the challenges and changes that we faced so that we can truly walk through the next stage well equipped. 

Let’s look at the difference in concepts and theories so you can better understand the differences and perhaps look at the compliments that may be achieved from embracing both.

Whilst building resilience will develop the ability to recover or adjust to challenges, it does not extend to prospering and developing from these stressors. 

Anti-fragility, on the other hand, looks at how we can thrive and benefit from being exposed to volatility, disorder, and uncertainty. It is beyond “robustness” and “resilience”. Resilience in many ways is about “staying the same or resisting shock” according to Taleb, whereas anti-fragility enables you to get better – to be stronger as a result.

Accepting change as part of the journey

When we look at adversity as an opportunity to learn something, to enhance a situation rather than see it as something that has gone wrong or with a negative “why me” mindset, our whole experience will be entirely reframed to a more positive one in which we step forward. 

We accept that challenges may occur, we understand that unpredictable events may arise and that we may not be able to anticipate or plan for these events or situations, but we know that through acceptance we plan forward with the best solutions allowing for differences and variables. This also includes the acceptance that, at times, we may fail. 

This is not to say that we become complacent if things go wrong, in fact, it is almost the opposite. It is that we strive to better ourselves from the lessons that come with failure. 

Taleb states that “Some things benefit from shocks; they thrive and grow when exposed to volatility, randomness, disorder, and stressors and love adventure, risk and uncertainty. Yet, in spite of the ubiquity of the phenomenon, there is no word for the exact opposite of fragile. Let us call it anti-fragile. Anti-fragility is beyond resilience or robustness. The resilient resists shocks and stays the same; the anti-fragile gets better."

As you plan ahead, be certain to plan for the unexpected. Surround yourself with the right people and set your mindset to be free of boundaries. This is an opportunity to engage with the right people and set forward new plans.