Exploring resilient leadership and the effects of COVID

March marked the fifth anniversary of the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. By the 2 April 2020 there were over 1 million cases reported worldwide, with many countries having entered a lock-down in one form or another.

In the UK, the first lockdown began on 23 March 2020. In the following year, there were three national lockdowns, with the Government announcing on 8 March 2021 a phased exit from lockdown and a route back to ‘a more normal life’.

This is arguably one of the biggest influences as Leaders within our lifetimes. But how has this impacted our leadership behaviours, and our ability to be resilient in the face of uncertainty?

The Resilient Leaders Elements™ Research Café (a group of academics, leadership development experts, and business leaders) has been exploring this question. With access to unique and proprietary data from the Resilient Leaders Development Programme (RLDP™)[1], they have analysed over 5,000 assessments from before, during and after the Covid pandemic.

[1] The RLDP™ data gives a ‘snapshot in time’ of how often an individual engages in those behaviours associated with a Resilient Leader.  This means we can isolate and measure the focus, confidence and energy going into specific leadership behaviours for individuals, cohorts and entire datasets at specific points in time.

What does the data tell us?

The data shows a 2% decrease*[2] in how often we demonstrate the key behaviours associated with resilient leadership. While one-third of positive resilient leadership behaviours have increased, two-thirds have decreased since the start of the first UK lockdown. 

Looking at the behaviours that rank the lowest, there is consistency between assessments conducted before and after the pandemic. The following three have historically scored the least and since March 2020 they have dropped even further:

·       I look after myself. I rest, reenergise and renew

·       I take action to rebalance when I go from pressure to stress

·       I imagine myself at a point in the future and visualise what has been accomplished

The effect of the Covid pandemic seems to have lessened our ability to focus on our own wellbeing and the future we want to envisage, with each of these dropping by 7-10%*[3].

In our assessments, the Statement “When things are uncertain, I remain confident that I will find a way to achieve my goals” provides a unique insight into this. Prior to the pandemic, this Statement ranked in the middle of the Resilient Leaders Assessment™ – position 38 of 70*[4]. Showing that while it wasn’t one of our highest-ranking behaviours, leaders still felt generally confident.

Almost immediately following the start of the pandemic this level of confidence dropped dramatically to 51 of 70*[5]. Although we have now exited lockdown and returned to ‘a more normal life’ our confidence hasn’t returned. In fact, it has dropped further and now ranks at 54 of 70*[6].

Did the Covid pandemic influence positive change in resilient leadership behaviours?

Looking at the more positive aspects of the data, we’ve seen the biggest growth within the following two behaviours:

·       I help others to look after themselves: to rest, reenergise and renew (+4.8%)*[7]

·       I talk honestly with others about my weaknesses and mistakes (+3.5%)*[8]

Both of these behaviours show an awareness and focus on others. In fact, of the top ten behaviours with the highest positive change, nine are focused on interacting and supporting others. This implies that our experiences through the Covid pandemic have made us more aware of those around us, and how our leadership behaviours both influence and impact them.

What this means for you, your organisation and the wider economic landscape

Put simply, the data we have collected over the last five years demonstrates that resilient leadership behaviours are not improving, in fact they’re falling back. With uncertainty, change and even crisis becoming the norm and not the exception, this trend shows that action to build individual and collective Resilient Leadership is needed now.

Being a Resilient Leader involves creating an environment of ‘Confident Uncertainty’: we may not know what is coming down the line, but we are prepared and confident in ‘who we are’ and ‘what we do’ so that we know we will find a way through any degree of change, uncertainty and even crisis.

We know that a development programme powered by the RLDP™, and supported by a Resilient Leaders Consultant, will address this decline and result in an average of 20% growth across the Resilient Leaders Elements.

We challenge everyone to reflect on this research. What resonates with you? Compare it with your own resilient leadership behaviours, as well as those in the teams and organisation(s) around you.

Here are some questions to help you begin:

• How prepared are you to see and take opportunities in uncertainty?

• Can you clearly articulate your business goals to others, and highlight how they can contribute to achieving those goals?

• How confident are you that momentum will be maintained?

• Can you measure the progress and impact of your professional development?

We invite you to connect with us to explore your answers to these questions and the implications for your Resilient Leadership Development.

[2] Source: RLDP™ data compared from pre and post 23/03/2020

[3] Source: RLDP™ data compared from pre and post 23/03/2020

[4] Source: RLDP™ data compared from pre 23/03/2020

[5] Source: RLDP™ data 23/03/2020 to 08/03/2021

[6] Source: RLDP™ data compared from post 08/03/2021

[7] Source: RLDP™ data compared from pre and post 23/03/2020

[8] Source: RLDP™ data compared from pre and post 23/03/2020

Resilient leadership data research

This article is the first in a new series coming from the RLE™ Research Café. Throughout 2025 we will be exploring nearly 20 years of resilient leadership data research, to provoke thought and learning. Follow us and comment to be part of the conversation.

About RLE™

Resilient Leaders Elements (RLE™) empowers leaders with a proven framework and online tools to build resilience. Through the Resilient Leaders Development Programme (RLDP™), leaders gain insights into their resilient leadership strengths and development area, 360-degree feedback, and tailored challenges to enhance their leadership. With a global network of consultants, RLE™ helps leaders and organisations navigate uncertainty with confidence. (www.resilientleaderselements.com)