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Resilience is “a set of characteristics, abilities and resources that enable the achievement of positive outcomes despite exposure to significant threat or adversity”, as defined by the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. The COVID-19 pandemic has created just such an environment of extreme uncertainty and challenge that highlights why building personal resilience for school leaders and fundraisers is so vital.
In this episode, I speak to Jo Beckett, Joint CEO of the Institute of Development Professionals in Education (IDPE), the leading membership organisation for schools fundraising here in the UK. Over half an hour, we talk about the critical importance of resilience in the independent schools' sector.
Jo and I discuss practical ways school leaders and fundraisers can build their personal resilience. Through the course of the episode, we make the connection between personal resilience and strategic thinking. In particular we discuss how building resilience is more than just gaining confidence, but can also help to shape and refine performance. We explore the benefits of executive coaching, the importance of emotional intelligence and how to avoid thinking traps. Finally, Jo shares her practical top tips for building resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Episode highlights
What is ‘resilience’? (02:45)
The benefits of executive coaching (05:47)
Trends in resilience in the independent school sector (07:55)
The importance of emotional intelligence (14:51)
Avoiding thinking traps (17:40)
Strategic thinking and resilience (20:10)
Resilience tip 1: Self before others (25:46)
Resilience tip 2: Ask “why not?” (26:56)
Resilience tip 3: Reflection (27:46)
Making time to build your resilience (29:14)
References and resources
To contact Jo confidentially about executive coaching email her at confidential@idpe.org.uk
Articles on resilience by Jo Beckett:
Fundraising Focus Programme: Expert fundraising advice to fit your school's budget
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Find out more about Juliet Corbett’s work with independent schools and discover a host of free resources for schools at www.consultjuliet.co.uk
