Today, with the challenge of climate change, geopolitical influences, and other external factors, the term “resilience” has found a prominent space in corporate lexicons. Organizational resilience is not just about bouncing back; it's about bouncing forward, adapting to changes, and transforming adversities into opportunities.

At its core, it focuses on two pivotal facets: project management and operations.

Now focusing on project management, a framework of resilience should be defined and tested. Today’s projects, whether they're about launching a new product, service, or establishing a new workflow, often involve entities and organizations that can span the globe. Markets shift, economies wobble, and global events like pandemics or geopolitical changes can push a well-planned project off its charted course.

Building Resilience in Project Management

How do we then safeguard our projects from such unpredictability? The answer is by introducing resilience into project management.

One of the foundational characteristics of resilient project management is a comprehensive risk management framework. Foresight and proactive preparation remain the best measures of mitigating or avoiding future challenges. This is where comprehensive risk management comes into play.

By identifying potential risks early on and charting out strategies to counteract them, project portfolios can avoid or weather disruption. Diversifying resources, both human and material, add another layer of security. It ensures that the project isn't solely reliant on a singular entity or resource, safeguarding it from unexpected setbacks.

The next characteristic is an agile approach, often backed by methodologies like Scrum or Kanban, and brings flexibility to projects. It allows teams to quickly adapt to changes without derailing the entire endeavor. Clear project visions aligned with organizational goals act as the North Star, ensuring that everyone stays on the right path, no matter the challenges.

Example of an simple AGILE Board, coded by AIPMO (2023)

The project teams and their continuous feedback mechanisms form the backbone of resilient projects. By emphasizing open channels of communication, managers can ensure potential roadblocks are identified and addressed in real-time. This open dialogue also extends to stakeholders, whose engagement can be the make-or-break factor for many projects.

Training plays a substantial role as well. A versatile team that's equipped to handle varied roles can respond when a new challenge arises. This training isn’t limited to hard skills; fostering a growth mindset and adaptability is equally crucial.

Real-life stories often offer good insights. Consider the case of a tech startup launching a new application. Midway through their project, a global pandemic such as COVID 19 hits, reducing their workforce and adding unforeseen technical challenges. However, thanks to a resilient approach, they not only navigated these challenges but pivoted their application to cater to a new market need that emerged due to the pandemic. They emerged stronger and more relevant, all because resilience was an integral part of their project management strategy.

75% of companies were having to make, or had made, changes to their business continuity plan in relation to COVID-19
Michael Page, 2022

Yet, the journey of building resilience isn’t without its hurdles. A common pitfall many organizations face is resting on past laurels or being blindsided by unforeseen challenges. Additionally, teams sometimes resist adaptability, holding on to tried-and-tested methods that might not be relevant anymore.

The Role of Leadership in Championing Resilience

Leaders play a paramount role in such scenarios. Championing resilience, fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving, and emphasizing adaptability are all leadership mandates. When the helm steers with confidence and foresight, the ship invariably finds its way.

But, while projects are transient with defined start and end points, the operations of an organization are continuous. Resilience in daily operations is as crucial as, if not more than, in projects. Operations are the backbone, ensuring the organization keeps running day in and day out. Whether it's managing supply chains, handling customer relations, or ensuring IT infrastructures are robust, resilience plays a part. While it's tempting to delve deep into operational resilience, that's a topic vast enough for its own discussion and is beyond our current scope.

In summary, as organizations strive toward their goals, the compass of resilience is what keeps them on course. Whether in projects or operations, resilience is not a luxury but a necessity. It’s an ongoing journey, one that demands constant learning, adaptability, and a forward-thinking approach.

As you reflect on your organization's practices, consider the role resilience plays in it. How are you ensuring your projects stay on course despite adversities? How are your operations prepared to handle sudden shifts? As we move forward, embedding resilience into our organizational DNA will not be an option but a cornerstone for sustained success.

To continue researching business resilience, you can listen to the excellent podcast episode by Vanessa Mathews.