As coaches, we often work with clients experiencing burnout—or the circumstances that contribute to it. The American Psychological Association defines resilience as
"the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences."
For years, we've helped leaders bounce back, persevere through uncertainty, adapt to change, and keep moving forward. And resilience matters. In fact, recent research found that more than half of today's workforce is functioning but only one crisis away from burnout, while just over 1% are truly thriving.
But lately I've found myself wondering if resilience, while essential, is no longer enough.
Since starting my business in 2015, I've become increasingly interested in the concept of
agency—the belief that while we can't always control our circumstances, we can choose how we respond to them. Looking back on my own career and life, I realized that the moments of greatest growth didn't come from waiting for circumstances to change. They came from recognizing the choices I still had.
As coaches, perhaps our work isn't simply helping clients withstand difficult circumstances. Perhaps it's helping them recognize where they still have choice, influence, and responsibility.
That shift doesn't require a new coaching model—just a different lens.
In addition to questions that build resilience, we might also ask:
- Where do you still have influence?
- What choice is available to you?
- What can you initiate?
- What future do you want to create from here?
Resilience helps clients weather the storm. Agency helps them decide where to steer the boat once the storm begins.
Perhaps great coaching requires both.