Resilience: Yes, Despair: No

New Year celebrations are almost here, yet 2009 has been an enormously difficult year and a real challenge for the Resilient Leader. What have you done to ensure your success and that of your company, family, community? It is easy to despair or blame others during difficult times, but out of crisis often comes new opportunities.

Resilience is about bouncing back in the midst of adversity, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability. It's about managing change and not just surviving but thriving. The real danger is to give in to hopelessness or mediocrity, to assume a passive stance in the world.  But these are the times when real leadership is demonstrated. And it starts by making a commitment and taking action.

• What does Leadership mean to you? 

• What steps can you take in 2010 to be a better leader?