Every team faces challenges—tight deadlines, shifting priorities, unexpected setbacks. Some teams crumble under the pressure. Others pull together, adapt, and come out stronger. The difference? Resilience.

Every September, R U OK? Day reminds us of the power of a simple question: “Are you OK?” This year’s theme, “Ask R U OK? Any Day,” is a powerful reminder that these conversations don’t need to be saved for a single calendar date — they should be part of how we connect with one another every day.

One day you’re working alongside your peers, the next you’re expected to set direction, manage performance, and support people through all the ups and downs of work life. That’s a lot. Here’s the thing: nobody expects you to have it all figured out on day one. But there are five leadership skills that will make the transition smoother—and help you feel confident, not just competent.

Resilience has become a workplace buzzword—but for leaders, it’s more than a nice concept. It’s a critical skill to cultivate within teams. In high-pressure environments where change, deadlines, and challenges are part of daily life, resilience is what keeps teams from buckling under the weight.

Stress isn’t always negative. Short bursts can sharpen focus, drive creativity, and fuel performance. But when stress is constant, unmanaged, or ignored, it chips away at wellbeing, morale, and productivity. Resilient teams recognise this reality. They don’t pretend stress doesn’t exist—they acknowledge it, manage it, and adapt.