Resilient Fun

Some managers spend their days fighting fires. Others quietly prevent them before they start. And then there are those who seem to create chaos wherever they go. This reflection explores “management by setting fires”, the psychology of uncertainty, and why resilient people need to distinguish between genuine crisis and manufactured urgency.

A simple question in a Steering Committee meeting—“Are we moving in the right direction?”—reveals a deeper tension in how we approach work. Projects rarely unfold in straight lines, even though we plan them as if they do. In practice, teams adjust, recalibrate, and often move in several directions at once. The challenge is not to eliminate this complexity, but to remain anchored in purpose while navigating it.

An unexpected comment at a grocery store sparked reflection on why we rush through life. This piece explores how action bias, automatic thinking, and speed-driven habits shape our decisions—and what we might gain by slowing down. When we have the choice, slowness may be more than a luxury; it may be a form of resilience.

During a project meeting, a young team member proudly declared he was “actively waiting.” We laughed, then later realised how profound it was. In a world obsessed with urgency, actively waiting is a quiet form of resilience: staying ready, sharp, and engaged even in stillness. From Mongol warriors to modern teams, it’s a mindset worth exploring.

"Every man carries Two Bags about with him, one in front and one behind, and both are packed full of faults. The Bag in front contains his neighbours’ faults, the one behind his own. Hence it is that men do not see their own faults, but never fail to see those of others.

"Let's have some resilient fun" shows some important topics in a more relaxed and joyful way. After all, humour is quoted as a desirable...

The "Simple Sabotage Field Manual" is an amusing read, as many of the techniques are commonly applied in today's world.

"Let's have some resilient fun" shows some important topics in a more relaxed and joyful way. After all, humour is quoted as a desirable...

"Let's have some resilient fun" shows some important topics in a more relaxed and joyful way. After all, humour is quoted as a desirable...