5 Ways to Build a More Resilient Sales Team

Resilience in psychology refers to the capacity to cope effectively with adversity, trauma, tragedy, or other substantial forms of stress. Resilience provides advantages for both people and businesses and has become more important over the past two turbulent years. As we shift to another year of remote work in a global pandemic, resilience in individuals as well as in teams becomes more important. 

In this article, we discuss 5 ways for leaders to help their teams respond to the adversity that surrounds them. 

What is Team Resilience?

Resilience is the ability to get back on your feet quickly after a setback and adapt to new circumstances. In a group, the same basic concept remains valid: can the group rise to a challenge and, thus, improve? 

Without team resilience, working relationships are more likely to disintegrate when faced with obstacles. This could lead to lower levels of interest and output. Teams that are resilient actively seek out opportunities for development rather than merely "toughing it out" through adversity.

Characteristics of Resilient Teams

1. Trust  

Each member of a team must have the confidence to voice concerns or difficulties without fear of retaliation in order to effectively deal with change. A person's psychological safety, or the conviction that they can speak up or make a mistake without losing the team's trust, lessens adverse stress reactions and promotes creativity and adaptability. 

2. Effective Communication 

Challenges provide tension and the possibility of confrontation. Teams comprised of members with highly developed communication skills are more likely to successfully navigate challenging circumstances. 

3. Adaptability 

Operating frameworks are frequently used by strong teams to function effectively and efficiently. In times of change, however, it's important to work outside of these boundaries and make decisions quickly. 

4. A Culture of Learning 

Technology and organizational change frequently cause stress for teams. Teams who have a strong learning culture and value opportunities to gain new skills can adapt to change more rapidly. This might improve their capacity for performance. 

Why Are Resilient Teams Important in an Ever-Changing Workplace?

Organizations have recently had to deal with a number of global events that put our way of doing business to the test. The list of disruptions includes the COVID-19 outbreak, the conflict in Ukraine, supply chain difficulties, and more. Due to the new realities of a hybrid-first work culture and the growing use of technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, employees are being pushed to change and adapt at a rate that has never been seen before. 

The degree of change that people are witnessing now is multidimensional. It's not just the office; how we live our lives as individuals has changed. A different kind of resilience is required for all of these things. Teams that are resilient give their members the support they need to adapt to changes and do well. 

5 Ways to build more Resilient Teams

1) Allow Space for Criticism and Rejection 

You will get to know the customers even better as you begin doing more business with them. You sort of sign up naturally for their feedback or rejection, if any. The same goes within the team. Learn to accept criticism and see the bright side of it. It is always beneficial because it forces you to improve and deliver even greater outcomes. 

Avoid overreacting and letting things affect you. Your clients will push you to provide them with the greatest products and services possible. Now, how you deliver it is all up to you. Face the rejection and criticism with your whole heart and come up with the best of you. 

2) Enhance Trust and Confidence  

Building confidence and trust is the most effective strategy to increase resilience. Honesty, trust, and communication are necessary factors for a successful team. If a customer or client has the necessary level of faith in you, he is more likely to contact you again and complete a transaction. 

If you overpromise and deliver too little, the trust factor will suffer, and you will have to let them go. Therefore, make the most of any chance to strengthen your relationship with your clients and with your team members, and always show them the utmost respect. 

3) Encourage Healthy Conflict 

Your sales staff may find it tough to express their flaws or ideas when they are unsure of how you or the other members of the team would respond. Will they be mocked or feel attacked? Or will they receive the assistance they require? 

Finding a solution to a problem should be the main objective of conflict. It shouldn't be a debate about who is right or wrong or about proving your position. When employees trust the people in charge of their teams, they are more likely to take part in healthy disagreements. 

4) Payoff Commitment  

Your team must encourage one another while also being vulnerable in order to be committed. Your staff may comply on the surface, but without a solid foundation of trust, they won't be truly committed to one another or the principles of your business. At your weekly sales meeting, praise team members who have stuck to the team's values all week. Describe in detail the team member's dedication, trustworthiness, or accountability. 

5) Protect your People  

Sometimes we may be asking too much of our teams. Excessively frequent changes, unnecessary blindsiding or obscuring, and even exaggerated optimism can drain the energy and involvement out of normally resilient people. IT managers can keep the energy of their teams and themselves up by being open and honest about new or difficult situations. 

You must have read a lot about burnout. There may be employees around you who seem engaged but are actually exhausted. To improve the team's skills and resiliency, don't always turn to the same people who deliver for you; instead, make sure you involve everyone on the team. Try to form a layer of protection for the entire team and give them the necessary chances. 

Conclusion

The team's resilience is comparable to a battery. Regular restoration and recharge are required. Change and uncertainty are surely difficult for all of us. However, adversity gives leaders the chance to foster resilience among their employees. Your staff may not only recover from challenging times, but also become much stronger as individuals and as a team with your encouragement and honesty. Teams that implement the right strategies will discover that they are more prepared and are willing to take on any challenge during the pandemic and beyond.