In the latest episode of the Breakthrough in Singapore podcast, Dr. Tan Bee Wan, chairman of the Integrative Learning Corporation, hosts an insightful discussion on the topic of emotional resilience with Dr. Rinkoo Ghosh. This episode delves into the need for emotional resilience in Singapore and the ways in which the country can foster a more compassionate and emotionally robust society. The podcast highlights the importance of prioritizing emotional well-being alongside physical and mental well-being, and encourages open conversations about emotions at all levels of society.
Dr. Tan opens the episode by sharing insights from a recent CNA lifestyle study that compared emotional resilience across six countries in Asia. Singapore scored lower in personal development and mental resilience, with a more negative outlook and a sense of lack of control over life. Only 55% of Singaporeans reported having enough energy to get through the day, highlighting the impact of external barriers on overall well-being. Moreover, the cultural tendency to suppress emotions, particularly within the Asian context, is contributing to concerns about emotional well-being in the nation.
Dr. Rinkoo Ghosh, a senior consultant with the Resilient Institute of Service Asia, joins the discussion as an expert in emotional resilience. With over 28 years of experience in HR and training, she has a profound understanding of the challenges individuals face in maintaining emotional well-being. Dr. Ghosh emphasizes her passion for inspiring people and building emotional resilience to promote happiness and productivity. She shares personal experiences that shaped her outlook on emotional resilience and underscores the importance of open conversations about emotions in society.
Dr. Rinkoo Ghosh distinguishes emotional resilience from other forms of resilience, such as mental and physical resilience. While mental and physical resilience involve bouncing back from adversities, emotional resilience goes deeper by focusing on regulating emotions and triggers. Dr. Ghosh stresses that emotional resilience requires learning and discipline, and it cannot be achieved through sporadic efforts. She emphasizes the need for self-awareness and self-regulation to navigate through challenges and stresses that emotions are a key component of overall resilience.
The podcast advocates for a shift in cultural norms and values to create a more emotionally resilient society. Dr. Ghosh emphasizes that Singapore needs to prioritize empathy and compassion over a purely pragmatic and performance-driven approach. She suggests that individuals at all levels need to be allowed the space to express their emotions, whether positive or negative, without fear of judgment. This shift involves fostering open conversations about emotions and feelings, recognizing that emotional resilience is vital for overall well-being.
Dr. Ghosh highlights the significance of empathy in leadership and the need for leaders to actively listen and understand the emotions of those they lead. She praises leaders who exhibit empathy and provide individuals with the autonomy to express their feelings and experiences. By prioritizing emotional well-being and fostering a culture of open communication, leaders can create a more emotionally resilient work environment.
In conclusion, the podcast emphasizes that emotional resilience is a critical aspect of overall well-being that Singapore needs to prioritize. By shifting cultural norms and values to allow for open conversations about emotions, the nation can create a more compassionate and empathetic society. Leaders play a pivotal role in fostering emotional resilience by listening to the experiences and feelings of their teams. By recognizing that emotions are a core aspect of resilience, Singapore can pave the way for a brighter and emotionally healthier future.
