Learn from Your Professional Setbacks!
13 November 2007
Read by 1556 persons
A failed probationary period, a layoff, a rejected promotion, a failed project, a failing business: few people will not experience "professional failure" during their careers. A tragedy? No, an opportunity to better understand yourself, to progress and mature!
Taking the Hit. Digesting a professional setback can be psychologically painful: depression, anger, guilt, escapism, feelings of devaluation, loss of confidence, fear of trying new experiences. While this low period is inevitable, it should not last. Find resources in your family, friends, and social life. List all your professional and personal successes to end negative thoughts and regain self-esteem.
Analyzing the Reasons for Failure. Every setback should be analyzed as a professional experience in its own right. What is your share of responsibility? What were your weaknesses? What could you have done to anticipate or avoid this failure? What measures can be implemented to bounce back? This dissection will allow you to learn useful lessons to grow, mature and progress. If you do not feel capable of having enough perspective to carry out this introspection, seek professional help.
Owning Your Failures. Recruiters are wary of candidates who present a flawless career path. Failing to be seen as a winner, the absence of acknowledged failure is a sign of reluctance to step outside one's comfort zone to take on new challenges, a lack of maturity, or an inability to question oneself. Know how to present your failures without emotion. Highlight what you've learned, and the resources you've mobilized to bounce back.
According to Winston Churchill, "Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." Adopt this mindset and turn your failure into an asset!
Posted on February 4, 2008
France 5
Taking the Hit. Digesting a professional setback can be psychologically painful: depression, anger, guilt, escapism, feelings of devaluation, loss of confidence, fear of trying new experiences. While this low period is inevitable, it should not last. Find resources in your family, friends, and social life. List all your professional and personal successes to end negative thoughts and regain self-esteem.
Analyzing the Reasons for Failure. Every setback should be analyzed as a professional experience in its own right. What is your share of responsibility? What were your weaknesses? What could you have done to anticipate or avoid this failure? What measures can be implemented to bounce back? This dissection will allow you to learn useful lessons to grow, mature and progress. If you do not feel capable of having enough perspective to carry out this introspection, seek professional help.
Owning Your Failures. Recruiters are wary of candidates who present a flawless career path. Failing to be seen as a winner, the absence of acknowledged failure is a sign of reluctance to step outside one's comfort zone to take on new challenges, a lack of maturity, or an inability to question oneself. Know how to present your failures without emotion. Highlight what you've learned, and the resources you've mobilized to bounce back.
According to Winston Churchill, "Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." Adopt this mindset and turn your failure into an asset!
Posted on February 4, 2008
France 5
