Lessons from War and Life Building Resilience as a Leader

In leadership, resilience is more than a trait — it’s a necessity. I’ve come to realize this not only through professional challenges but also through personal trials that have shaped my ability to persevere. Leadership, as John Maxwell says, is influence, not a title, and resilience, to me, is the core strength behind that influence .

A Personal Journey of Resilience

Reflecting on my early life as a young girl in Iraq, I was constantly uprooted, moving from city to city to escape violence. During the 1990 rebellion, my father made the decision to leave our home and everything behind, including two of my brothers who were out fighting against Saddam. The decision wasn’t light, and it meant saving the rest of us, including my middle brother who came back with an injury after going out to fight.

We loaded up out Mercedes pick up with all the belongings we can fit on its back including us and were ready to go when my mother instructed us to throw our belongings off the truck so others could escape with us. Looking down from the back of the pick up, I could see a sea of people from our neighborhood waiting to be let on and asking to be helped.

I understood what my mother did. It wasn’t enough. The pick up didn’t fit everyone and we started moving, while people ran after the truck in hopes we may have more room. Their faces faded away as we moved farther and farther.

Through that hardship, I learned two things: that leadership starts with service to others, and that resilience is built in the face of adversity.

In these challenging times, the foundation of resilience was built — learning to keep calm amidst chaos, find purpose in small victories, and adapt to each new environment. This resilience would be tested again and again, not only in the journey from war to safety but later in navigating professional spaces where I often stood out as different, facing cultural and language barriers.

Leading Strong Through Resilience

Resilient leaders, as I’ve learned, don’t just withstand challenges; they empower those around them to find strength in the journey as well. In times of crisis, like my role as a principal facing massive staff shortages and pressure from both administration and parents, it became vital to remain composed and transparent.

Transparency is a crucial part of resilience. As a leader, making difficult decisions isn’t about simply delivering tough news. It’s about creating an understanding and an environment where each team member feels valued and supported. During the height of COVID, this was especially relevant when communication and empathy became the bedrock of effective leadership.

Practicing Resilience as a Leader

Resilience isn’t a natural gift — it’s a skill that requires practice and reflection. Here’s what I’ve found to be essential:

1. Self-Leadership: We cannot lead others until we lead ourselves. Self-discipline, clarity in our goals, and a commitment to our values are essential to stand steady in a storm .

2. Embracing Empathy: Resilient leaders lead with empathy, acknowledging that everyone has their own struggles. Building a team culture where people feel supported allows resilience to become a shared trait.

3. Encouraging Growth: I believe in creating a safe environment where mistakes become learning experiences. It is important to encourage team members to take risks, celebrate small wins, and view setbacks as growth opportunities. When we allow people to learn from their failures, we strengthen their resilience as well.

Resilience shapes how we lead and influences those around us. I encourage each leader to ask themselves: How am I using my influence to create a resilient, empathetic, and adaptable team? Who in your life has exemplified resilience, and what qualities did they embody that you strive to reflect.

Resilience isn’t built overnight. It’s forged in adversity, strengthened by each decision, each lesson, and each commitment to move forward, no matter the challenge.

Have you seen resilience in action in your own career? Let’s discuss it below.

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