The world we live and work in has changed exponentially over the last few years, and all sectors share an increased emphasis on sustainability, self‐care, and resilience. But these last two concepts appear contradictory: how can we keep bouncing back from setbacks when we need a break? Based on her doctoral study carried out over three years – and almost 20 years heading up the Third‐Sector leadership body in Scotland – Patricia Armstrong shows that resilience is much more holistic than previously thought. It’s not just about what we do that keeps us resilient; it’s also how we think and how we take into account the environment around us. Readers will find new thinking, tools to help assess where focus is needed, and ways to consider proactive resilience through a new lens so that when the next setback hits, the drop is not so deep and recovery is not so steep. This book comes from the perspective of charity leadership and working in the small country of Scotland, but it offers big lessons which are relevant globally.
Current and aspiring leaders working in all sectors will enjoy and appreciate this book’s focus on proactive resilience – putting us all in a better position to look after our well‐being and get through to fight another day (and maybe even enjoy the challenge)!
Dr Patricia Armstrong OBE has expertise in leadership, governance, and resilience. She led the leadership body for Third‐Sector CEOs in Scotland and recently completed her doctorate exploring leadership resilience. Pat also served on the board of the charity regulator. She has a focus on leadership learning across geographies, across sectors, and across disciplines. Her study into a whole‐life approach to leadership resilience brings new insights for today’s leaders.