How can you develop resilience when your Research Management team faces budget cuts?

1 Acknowledge the impact

The first step to developing resilience is to acknowledge the impact of the budget cuts on your team and yourself. Don't ignore or deny the emotions that arise, such as frustration, anger, anxiety, or sadness. Instead, express them in a constructive way, such as talking to a trusted colleague, writing in a journal, or seeking professional support. Recognizing the reality of the situation can help you process it and move forward.

2 Focus on what you can control

The second step to developing resilience is to focus on what you can control, rather than what you can't. You can't change the decision to reduce the budget, but you can control how you respond to it. For example, you can prioritize your tasks, communicate clearly with your stakeholders, seek alternative sources of funding, or explore new opportunities for collaboration. By focusing on what you can do, you can reduce your stress and increase your confidence.

3 Learn from the experience

The third step to developing resilience is to learn from the experience. Budget cuts can be a source of learning and growth, if you approach them with curiosity and openness. For example, you can reflect on what you have learned about yourself, your team, your project, and your field. You can also identify the strengths and skills that you have developed or enhanced, such as creativity, problem-solving, or flexibility. By learning from the experience, you can improve your performance and prepare for future challenges.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?