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What To Do When You Have A Major Setback As A Leader
Being in a leadership role is tough and without doubt there are going to be many highs and lows. When you encounter those lows it can sometimes feel like it is the end of the world and really knock your confidence.
So what can you do to bounce back when you encounter setbacks as a leader?
Don’t Panic
Of course you are going to be concerned. At the same time it is really difficult to look at things objectively if you are so stressed out and anxious. Try to stay calm no matter how difficult it might be.
Don’t Go Into Denial
Yes you might wish that you had not got into the situation that resulted in the setback in the first place. Hindsight is marvellous. Be willing to draw on your leadership qualities and accept what has happened rather than go into denial.
Don’t Suffer In Silence
Chances are you will not be the first and certainly not the last person to encounter a setback. In any organisation there are always going to be people to turn to for support and better still build up your support network to call on in tough times.
Keep Things In Perspective
In the vast majority of organisational instances, they are not life or death. Try to keep things in perspective.
Reflect On What You Have Learned
We all tend to learn more from those times when things do not go as well as we had hoped. Take a bit of time to reflect and learn for the future.
Get Back Into Action
In my experience it is generally best to get back into action as soon as possible. Action, leads to results and achievement. When you start to achieve you start to regain your confidence.
The Reality: Every leader encounters setbacks. It goes with the territory. What matters is how you respond.
Duncan Brodie helps accountants and other professionals to become highly effective leaders. He invites you to sign up for his free audio e-course.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.