This Wednesday, we’re diving deep into the principles of resilient leadership.
Change is rarely gentle—it sweeps in like a sudden storm over the Bakweri plains, testing our foundations and demanding we rise to the occasion. As African executives, we know this well. Whether it’s adapting to new market trends in Douala or guiding a team through uncertainty in Yaoundé, resilience is the heartbeat of effective leadership. This Wednesday, as part of our April theme—Resilience: Thriving Through Change and Challenge—we’re diving deep into the principles that help leaders not just survive change, but lead through it with purpose and strength.
The first principle of resilient leadership is clarity of vision.
In Cameroon, where history and progress often dance together, staying anchored in your ‘why’ is crucial. Think of the traditional leaders in our villages—they don’t waver when faced with disputes or drought because their purpose is clear: to serve and uplift their people. For modern leaders, this means revisiting your organisation’s core values and vision during turbulent times. Ask: What do we stand for, and how does this change align with that? A clear vision acts like a compass, guiding your decisions and inspiring your team to stay the course.
Next comes adaptability with integrity.
Resilience isn’t about bending to every wind—it’s about knowing when to flex and when to stand firm. Take the tech entrepreneurs in Buea’s Silicon Mountain: they pivot their startups to meet global demands, but they don’t abandon the local ingenuity that sets them apart. Globally, leaders like Nelson Mandela exemplified this—adapting strategies while holding fast to principles of justice and unity. In practice, this might mean rethinking your business model during an economic dip while ensuring your team still feels valued and heard. It’s a delicate balance, but one that builds trust and momentum.
The third principle is collective resilience.
In Cameroon, we thrive on ubuntu—the idea that “I am because we are.” Change can isolate us if we let it, but resilient leaders turn it into a team effort. During the 2016-2017 Anglophone crisis, community leaders rallied people together, not apart, to find solutions. In your workplace, this could look like hosting open forums to address fears about a restructuring or celebrating small wins to keep morale high. Ask your team: How can we face this together? Their input not only strengthens resilience but also uncovers ideas you might miss alone.
Finally, self-mastery ties it all together.
Leading through change starts with managing yourself—your emotions, energy, and focus. In our fast-paced world, burnout is a real threat, from Lagos to London. A leader who collapses under pressure can’t lift others. Take a cue from our farmers in the Northwest Region: they pace themselves through planting and harvesting seasons, resting when needed to sustain their effort. Carve out time this week to recharge—whether it’s a quiet walk in Limbe or a moment of reflection with a cup of tea. A steady leader breeds a steady team.
These principles aren’t abstract—they’re actionable. Pick one today and apply it. If a merger is shaking your organisation, clarify your vision with your team. If a project’s failing, adapt your approach without losing sight of your values. Globally, these ideas resonate too—resilient leaders everywhere anchor their teams in purpose, not chaos. Here in Cameroon, we add our unique flavor: heart, grit, and community spirit.
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© Silas Achu
