Unbreakable

Building and Leading Resilient Teams

by Bradley L. Kirkman & Adam Stoverink

Unbreakable (2023) explores strategies for building and leading resilient teams that can endure and thrive through business challenges and uncertainties. It emphasizes essential resources such as team confidence, improvisation skills, and psychological safety. The book provides leaders with practical advice on nurturing these qualities in various team settings, including remote or hybrid work environments.

About the Authors

Bradley L. Kirkman is the General (Ret.) H. Hugh Shelton Distinguished Professor of Leadership at North Carolina State University, renowned for his work on leadership and complex team dynamics. His notable publication includes "3D Team Leadership: A New Approach for Complex Teams."

Adam C. Stoverink is an associate professor of Management at the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business and the director of Walton MBA programs. His research significantly impacts team and organizational dynamics.

Build Resilient, Adaptable Teams for Crisis Management

Today, effective teamwork is essential for any major project's success. Imagine a team where every member, from junior to senior, contributes fearlessly and innovatively. This ideal scenario, where hierarchy doesn't stifle creativity and communication, is crucial in today's rapidly evolving corporate landscape. Creating such team resilience requires more than just skills; it needs a nurturing environment fostering confidence, clear strategies, adaptability, and psychological safety.

In this chapter, you'll explore the critical elements that form the backbone of resilient teams. Learn about the importance of team confidence, structured collaboration, improvisational skills, and creating a psychologically safe space.

Let's begin by examining the Mann Gulch disaster, a striking example of the challenges faced when these vital components are missing.