Best Practice Report: Mental Toughness

Best Practice Report:

Mental toughness

BPIR.com

Content

The Best Practice Report

The Definition

Expert Opinion

Survey and Research

Example Cases

Self-Assessments

Measures

Summary of Best Practices

Words of Wisdom & Quick Facts

Conclusion

References

Other Best Practice Reports 

About the Best Practice Report

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The Definition

Mental toughness—or resilience—is both a natural attribute and a learned behaviour. It helps people carry on during difficult times and, as a result, grow in confidence and ultimately triumph.

The Stage

Setbacks and pressure are part of the fabric of daily life. When faced with problems such as excessive career demands, serious trauma, sickness or sports injuries, people can use mental toughness or resilience to get through the bad times and prepare for the good. Leaders, and the members of their organisational teams, also need resilience to keep them going in the face of relentless stress. Developing the tools and resources to unlock mental toughness has the potential to benefit every aspect of our lives.

Expert Opinion

Mental toughness can be defined as the ability to deal with challenges and pressure, regardless of prevailing (either good or bad) circumstances. Mental toughness has been shown to be a major factor underpinning performance, positive behaviour, well-being, and aspirations:

Performance: mental toughness accounts for up to 25 per cent of the variation in individual performance.

Positive behaviour: mental toughness leads to people being more engaged and willing to try new things.

Well-being: mental toughness leads to people being happier and able to manage stress more effectively. It also makes them less prone to being bullied.

Aspirations: mental toughness can make people more ambitious and be prepared to manage greater risks.[1]

Research carried out