Adversity forces us to grow
Adversity can teach us a great deal. Without it, we don’t even understand ourselves particularly well. When we learn the limits of our character, we know who we truly are. So if we place prospective leaders in demanding situations, we can strengthen their character. By developing the above-mentioned internal qualities, they will be better equipped to do their job. This is the message from an article on the website of the INSEAD business school.
If we have a strong faith that we can maintain and develop, we possess enormous strength. A positive attitude, belief in our own potential and our ability to deal with emotions will help us overcome any obstacle. And the best thing is if we are mentally able to reframe our failures as chances for growth. If we have all of this, we will survive even when times are tough.
Truly extraordinary leaders, such as Nelson Mandela or Winston Churchill, never gave up. So if adversity and challenges increase the effectiveness of leaders, perhaps we can simulate critical learning experiences to make our leaders more courageous.
-jk-