We experience setbacks everyday. What separates us, as individuals and organisations, is how we respond to these setbacks. As our resilience is tested more and more, how can we continue to bounce back when things don’t go as planned?
We reached out to six business leaders to find out.
Embrace uncertainty
“I always adopt the mindset that you can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. Things will never go to plan. Once you embrace this, dealing with the challenges life throws up will become a lot more manageable. Always remember not to be too hard on yourself!”
- Danny Levy, Managing Director, APAC of Worldwide Business Research Insights
Own the outcome
“I think this really comes down to owning the outcome. If things haven't gone to plan because I could have done things differently, it's important to own it, realise it and work to understand how to get a different outcome in future. It's about being honest with yourself, pull on the people around you to help if needed and focus on what's within your control. And of course, don't dwell on things or get stuck in the blame game!”
- Maria Cowley, Acting Regional Manager at Service NSW
Put your energy where it matters
“Move on to the next thing. I fail at things all the time, we all do. I figure if I just keep moving I’ll get to the next success faster and the oopsie from today will be a distant memory. Besides, you can’t change the past, you can influence the future. Seems like a better bet to put my energy where I can make a difference.”
- Alicia Aitken, Head of Investment Management and Delivery at ANZ Banking Corporation
Be aware of recovery patterns
“I think this differs for each person, but I have found from my own experience and from those I coach, the key is being aware of your bounce-back patterns. For me to bounce-back fastest, I know I need to first gather data – e.g. seeking clear feedback or understanding where the process broke down; secondly I process internally – try and label how I feel (e.g. frustrated / disappointed / ashamed / indifferent) and why I feel that way; and lastly (not always needed), I process verbally. This step usually involves talking it through with someone neutral who is a good listener!”
- Tiffany Slater, Leadership Coach
Gain perspective
“Well, being 55, I have seen quite a lot and have had quite a few ups and downs. This really helps to keep things in perspective - it rarely is a life or death situation! It also helps to understand that everything, for better or worse, is a learning opportunity. Finally, I have worked in some great teams. My colleagues have always been willing to help out. Never underestimate the value of a great team to support each other.”
- Ron Arnold, Managing Director at 11eight
Focus on progress and support
“What works for me internally is to recall all the successes and failures I’ve had in the past, and how much progress I’ve made despite the setbacks over the years. I work on bringing forward the point at which I’m prepared to open up and be honest about what’s going wrong, because the sooner I start to do that, the sooner I get support and help, and the sooner I recover from my mistakes.”
- Alan Jones, Startup Founder Coach and Angel Investor
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