Resilience: Walking the Line Between Accommodation and Overcoming

In a flourishing workplace, resilience isn’t about toughing it out—it’s about having the inner resources and external support to adapt, grow, and stay well through challenge. For leaders, that means knowing when to offer accommodations and when to gently stretch a team member toward growth.

Think of it as navigating between two guardrails: one of compassion, and one of courage. Too far in either direction, and we risk enabling burnout or stunting development. The sweet spot? Context-sensitive support that honours both the person and the potential.

But here’s the nuance: different generations may need different types of support along this resilience spectrum.

🔹 Boomers (1946–1964) grew up with “sink or swim” mindsets and often pride themselves on grit and perseverance. They may struggle to ask for help or express when accommodations are needed. Leaders can model psychological safety by normalizing support without diminishing competence. Try this: “You’ve carried a lot—what would taking a breather or shifting this timeline make possible for you?”

🔹 Gen X (1965–1980) values autonomy and self-reliance. Offering resilience support without micromanaging is key. They often quietly shoulder the load, so check-ins should focus on permission to pause or recalibrate, without undermining their independence. Ask: “What would recharging look like for you this week?”

🔹 Millennials (1981–1996) came of age during economic and social turbulence. They often welcome coaching and mentorship. When leaning into the ‘overcoming’ side of resilience, frame challenges as growth opportunities—collaborative, not punitive. Say: “This is a stretch, but I see your capacity here—how can we scaffold this together?”

🔹 Gen Z (1997–2012) has been shaped by digital connection and global disruption. Mental health awareness is high, and so is uncertainty. They may lean more heavily on accommodation—but with the right support, they thrive in environments that build skills incrementally. Prompt: “What’s one small win you could go after today that would feel like progress?”

Leadership means discerning where each person is on their resilience journey—not to push or protect, but to walk beside them with intention. 

“Trust is the glue of life... It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” Stephen M.R. 

Trust empowers leaders to both soften and stretch their teams. Resilience doesn’t live on one side of the guardrail. It’s cultivated in the space between empathy and encouragement—where leaders recognize the humanity and the capacity in each person, across every generation.