Reclaiming Resilience - Voices from the Frontline.

Abstract

Background This study focussed on the lived experience of female leaders in health and social care settings. Participants attended an online Continuous Professional Development course at a University in England in 2022, at the tail end of the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to gain an understanding of the impact of stress and resilience on personal and professional performance. Methods Data was gathered through Appreciative Inquiry and analysed through the lens of Ecological Systems Theory. The first Author held a dual role as an educator and researcher. Students were experts by experience in this study. The research methods built on the teaching within the course and enabled the generation of knowledge and co-creation of solutions for leadership dilemmas. The women attending, described themselves as ‘of a certain age’, that is between mid-30s and mid-50s were discriminated against in their personal and professional lives in terms of gender, age and health. This study found that they internalised blame and shame around their perceived performance as leaders in health and social care settings. Collective critical reflection showed the impact of societal, cultural and organisational targets on individual’s stress and resilience. Social Constructionism and a feminist lens offered an opportunity to evaluate leadership practice in the context of social and cultural expectations. Performance was viewed as a gendered issue, impacting on female leaders with multiple roles and care responsibilities. Trust was a vital component of professional relationships in health and social care and could be achieved through kind, compassionate and caring work environments. The creation of professional safety nets supports resilience, self-advocacy and wellbeing and reduces the impact of stress and (vicarious) trauma.